In the wake of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, we spoke to two community theatres that are in the midst of performing Sondheim’s musical, ‘Assassins’.

Dear theatre students,

We’ve met before, but as a reminder, my name is Chris and I am a theatre professor.  While I might not be YOUR theatre professor, and while I don’t claim to speak for ALL theatre professors, I wanted to take just a moment to talk about your futures.  I think what I have to say is important to those of you in college theatre programs, and also those of you who are hoping to go into a college theatre program—but perhaps other theatre artists, in various stages in their careers, might find some utility in my advice.

“Shakespeare is a bit of a touchy subject in the theatre industry, and that’s for one reason: either you love it or you hate it.”

“This happened at my school, and it practically started a riot within the theatre department.”

“I was recently alerted to a situation where the director of a summer theatre program, that charges in order to participate, routinely casts their son in the lead of their shows.”

“So what message in 2024 is sent by a colorblind or color-conscious casting of 1776? Namely, capitalism, while having the potential to uplift certain individuals within a minority, ultimately still functions by exploiting the labor of the majority.”

“If these ethics and habits are not demonstrated, not only do one’s chances of being cast dramatically decrease but also people simply do not wish to associate with them or support them in any of their theatrical endeavors.”

“Jonathan Larson changed the face of musical theater. And he did it with one show. Rent.”

“A former employee at the Wichita Theatre in Wichita Falls is expected to accept a plea deal regarding the allegations that he sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl at the theater. Josiah Alan Derbyshire was charged with sexual assault of a child in connection with an incident in July 2018.”

“I feel like the theatrical industry is no place for a fat girl because a fat girl isn't what the public wants- at what least the paying public wants. Well, I’m sick and tired of it. I’m tired of being typecast as the “fat best friend”.”

“What can you do when your mental health is affecting rehearsal time and your performance in the workspace?"

“Vincent van Gogh’s life might not seem like the kind of material that would lend itself to pop-rock musical theater, but take a listen and you will be surprised.”