“I am inspired by the intelligence, talent, and political activism of the younger generation. As we discover what the world looks like after COVID, I have a feeling many of us will be turning the tables. It’ll be us who are asking them for advice.”

“While in late March, prospects of an August festival seemed hopeful, it quickly became clear that any in-person production was not possible. Though, this, of course, did not stop Corkscrew from creating.”

“Make art to heal and to inspire, and do it in a healing and inspiring way. Now is the chance to make a new entertainment industry. Do it.”

“I think the wakeup call of Black Lives Matter and addressing white supremacy in the arts is a tidal shift that will never let us return to where we were before. It’s a very positive shift. I hope we can see real change and I hope I am allowed to be some part of that change.”

“Just hang in there. This is just now. Tomorrow is something different.”

“A lot of theater companies and Broadway shows have made their archival recordings available for free online! Take this time to watch shows you’ve never seen. Read plays. Listen to cast recordings. Take this time to feed your curiosity and to nourish your enthusiasm for theater.”

Since 2016, performer Ilana Levine has been interviewing actors, writers, directors and professional creatives on her podcast “Little Known Facts,” which she previously described to OnStage Blog as “the most inclusive, personal conversations that [are] meant to share artists in an uncensored, unpackaged way.” 200-plus “LNF” episodes later, Levine has a new podcast project. “And The Award Goes To…” tracks the career of Tony-winning guests using their acceptance speeches as an entryway. “Many of them have not listened to their speech since they made it,” Levine explained in an email, “It's a thrill to listen to it together and ask them to take me through all that led up to that night.’

“In my experience, theatre people understand as well as anyone that if you want to do something you can’t wait around and hope that someone will offer you that opportunity.”

“I was five years old! My mom took me to see a touring production of "Annie" and when I saw the kids on stage singing and dancing, I knew that's what I wanted to do. Plus, there's also the fact that my mom could NEVER get me to quit singing at the top of my lungs when we visited the grocery store.”

“Brooklyn born millennial Ruth Solorzano may be most recognized for her modeling work with Ambercrombie & Fitch, but her newest endeavor explores what it means to heal from violence and abuse. Solorzano’s project, Post-Ugly is a new podcast premiering August 1st, 2020.”

“We have always pledged our allegiance to the collective experience of a moment. I wish for us to not lose sight of that.”

“I think my best advice would be first and foremost to take care of yourself and be kind to yourself. We are all in the same boat, and there is something quite calming about that idea. I also think you should use this time to do the things you didn’t have time for when the world was normal!”

“When I look at the people around me, the artists, many of whom I love and admire, I’m trying to make some space for these individuals, and to create opportunities for them to make connection possible in their work despite the many obstacles at this time.”

“Connecting with other artists. I came to theatre because I was looking for community and I think theatre artists will always find ways to work together, no matter what.”

“Create your own demo reel, read as many plays as you can, watch what you can on-line, research actors who have come before you, read biographies. Be ready. When this opens up again, in whatever shape that takes, you don’t want to be scrambling.”

“Some theatre-makers have possibly been naïve, going "We're going to figure out how performance could work on social media!" as if there weren't an established ecosystem of performers doing that already. But one piece that I have enjoyed is using social to complement the production as outreach and behind-the-scenes process, generating interest in the art of theatre itself. I hope that continues.”

“We want to live in a world where we don't see color. But we all see color. How that manifests in theater is that, a lot of times, people with good intentions want to non-traditionally or color-blind cast something because they think it doesn't matter to the show. But the truth is, sometimes it matters. It's not just about coloring up your show but being aware of the potential effect it will have on the audience and thinking about how that affects the storytelling.”

“Allen Louis saw Wicked – his first Broadway show - in sixth grade, and immediately became fascinated by the art of telling a story through song. Most recently, he made an incredible theatrical contribution as the Composer, Lyricist, Arranger, and Music Director of the 2020 Antonyo Awards, a celebration of black artists in the industry, presented by Broadway Black.”

“It’s also been extremely difficult to talk about the future when things are so uncertain, even more as an incoming Artistic Director trying to learn the workings of an organization. I am at a place now when I have begun to embrace the uncertainty and have a sense of acceptance of the moment we are in.”

It is my great joy to introduce you to the amazing Paige Hernandez! Paige is a multidisciplinary artist who is critically acclaimed as a performer, director, choreographer, and playwright. Most recently Paige has been appointed to the Associate Artistic Director position at The Everyman Theatre in Baltimore, MD.