Spotlight
Stories that deserve your attention
Can We Talk About Participation Fees in Community Theatre?
Community theatre is expensive. I get that. But charging actors $100 or more just to be in a show feels like something worth questioning.
The Eugene O’Neill Fire Is a Wake-Up Call for Broadway’s Aging Theatres
A fire at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre has closed The Book of Mormon until at least May 17. Thankfully, staff were safely evacuated, but if early reports are accurate, the Broadway community should be asking larger questions about electrical safety, inspections, and how we protect the people working inside these theatres.
5 Thoughts About This Year’s Tony Nominations
The 2026 Tony nominations gave us plenty to celebrate, plenty to question, and at least one comeback that should make Broadway deeply uncomfortable.
Broadway Loves a Redemption Arc, Especially for Powerful Men
A second chance should come with more than famous people saying someone has changed. What was repaired? What safeguards are in place? And why do Broadway powers keep confusing time away with accountability?
Actor Says He Was Removed From CA Theatre’s ‘The Prince of Egypt’ After Raising Whitewashing Concerns
An actor from California Theatre’s recent production of The Prince of Egypt claims he was fired after speaking up about what he described as the alleged whitewashing of the cast.
‘Hell’s Kitchen’ Korean Production Prompts Debate Over Dreadlocks and Blackface Claims
The Korean production of Hell’s Kitchen is facing online criticism over one character’s styling, with some calling it blackface.
5 “Totally Normal” Reasons to Stage Dreamgirls With a Practically All-White Cast
A UK theatre group somehow cast Dreamgirls with a practically all-white cast, and yes, it is exactly as baffling as it sounds. So naturally, here are 5 totally reasonable, completely serious, not-at-all sarcastic reasons a theatre might choose to stage one of the most iconic Black musicals of all time with mostly white performers.
U.K. Theatre Group Somehow Casts ‘Dreamgirls’ With Practically All-White Cast…
A theatre group in the U.K. is facing criticism after announcing a Dreamgirls production with a practically all-white principal cast.
Laurie Metcalf’s Defense of Scott Rudin is Disappointing
Laurie Metcalf’s full-throated defense of Scott Rudin is disappointing, revealing, and exactly why Broadway’s accountability problem never seems to go away.
Michigan Theatre Board Resignations Mark a Necessary First Step
After months of turmoil at the Michigan Theatre in Jackson, the reported resignations of two board members feel like a necessary first step toward accountability.
Claybourne Elder’s ‘Company’ Story Is Exactly Why We Need to Get Serious About Work-Life Balance in Theatre
Claybourne Elder’s story about being pressured to perform Company on a scheduled night off should make the theatre industry sit with itself for a minute.
College Officials Allegedly Ordered Last-Minute Set Change Over Political Concerns
Officials at Cape Fear Community College reportedly told students to remove the words “No Kings” from the set of The Bacchae before opening night.