“This past week controversy erupted at a regional theatre in Virginia over a Caucasian actress who was cast as Vanessa in their production of ‘In The Heights’. While on the surface this looks like another example of whitewashing, what actually transpired at Mill Mountain Theatre exposes deeper casting issues that all regional theatres should take notice.”
Read More“It seems to me that too much of America's current approach to the theatre experience seems bent on exploiting our differences rather than our shared values; it seeks to focus on our grievances toward "the other side" for dramatic controversy and effect, rather than attempting to explore the means of discovering common ground.”
Read More“That is what I will tell you. Don’t write about it. Don’t do it. It’s not your story to tell. What you SHOULD write about is white complacency, white ignorance, and the white guilt around being a bystander and not lifting a finger to change the tide of racialized violence.”
Read More“Being an actor is a unique experience. It’s one that can be terrifying, exhausting, discouraging, and uplifting. It’s an experience I miss more than anything, and I can’t wait to come back.”
Read More“We really pride ourselves on the joy of coming together, inclusivity, and making music that brings people happiness. It’s always important, but right now, we all need pure joy and entertainment. Togetherness.”
Read More“Directors will understandably get frustrated when they have to give the same note multiple times and sometimes it is even interpreted as a sign of disrespect. Do you want to be seen as a strong member of the theatre community? Take a note the first time it is given.”
Read MoreI’m no stranger to imposter syndrome. I routinely question my abilities, my talents, my prospects, and my creative potential relative to the industry. I frequently wonder if I’m practicing enough, learning enough, applying myself to the right opportunities. I also often wonder if I deserve it. That’s the big one, and I had an experience with that quite recently.
Read More“A Little Night Music : They could NOT stop talking about their ex.”
Read More“I’ve seen white performers show up late for call or call out at the last minute for reasons they’re not being honest about. I’ve seen white performers throw fits in rehearsal studios, dressing rooms, and recording booths. Yet their employment is never threatened. Producing teams don’t shun them, they try to appease them.
But for the black performer? We’re the ones who have to behave, stay in line, don’t act out. We’re the toxic element that needs to be removed for the production to go on as a cohesive unit.”
Read MoreDuring the opening night red carpet of MJ: The Musical, a reporter from Variety was kicked out of the press line because he was asking questions about the allegations of sexual abuse that followed Michael Jackson the last twenty years of his life and beyond.
Read More“The “secrets” of dance training are now open to the public, and it’s exciting to imagine how this will change dance in the years to come.”
Read More“Often called “The Greatest Dance Teacher There Ever Was,” the musical theater and dance world was forever changed for the better because of Joan.”
Read More
