Spotlight
Stories that deserve your attention
When the Curtain Falls on Your Life: Finding My Way Back to Theatre
A look at how grief can pull someone away from theatre and the arts, and what it means to slowly find your way back.
From Five People to a Full House: A High School Theatre Production Gets the Ending It Deserved
Only five people attended opening night of a high school’s play. Days later, hundreds showed up for the final performances. A look at the story, the turnaround, and why one painful night should not discourage these students from pursuing the performing arts.
Playwrights Horizons Settled the Lawsuit Over Race-Based Ticket Discounts
Playwrights Horizons has settled its lawsuit over a race-based ticket discount, and while I agree it would have been a very tough case for the theater to defend, I keep coming back to one question: why did this need to become a lawsuit at all?
Theatre Apologizes for the Phrase “From the River to the Sea” in Actor’s Come From Away Bio
An Atlanta-based theatre company has apologized for controversial language in an actor’s bio in its Come From Away playbill after concerns from members of the Jewish community.
Theatre Kid Guilt is Real and This Reddit Story Shows Why
I read a Reddit post from a former theatre student wondering if they were wrong for “getting” their teacher fired, and honestly, it raised a bigger question about guilt, accountability, and how much responsibility students carry for adult decisions.
Timothée Chalamet’s Opera and Ballet Comments Were Dismissive, But the Industry’s Struggles Are Still Real
Timothée Chalamet was absolutely wrong to dismiss opera and ballet the way he did. The absolutely matter. But if we’re being honest, they’re also struggling in ways other sectors are not.
Community Theatre Postpones '“Hunchback” Production Due to Casting Controversey
Spokane Civic Theatre has paused The Hunchback of Notre Dame after community backlash over its casting, with performers of color saying Romani roles went to white actors.
Why Charles Askenaizer’s Jeff Nomination Is Causing So Much Outrage
The Jeff Awards want us to treat Charles Askenaizer’s nomination like business as usual. It isn’t.
Broadway’s Having a Great Year for BIPOC Representation. So What Happened with “Beaches”?
Broadway knows how to cast expansively (other shows this season prove it). So why does Beaches feel like a step backward?
Spotting Red Flags During Community Theatre Auditions: Performer Edition
Community theatre auditions aren’t just about who can sing the best 32 bars. They’re about who’s about to make your rehearsal room a joy… or a slow-motion headache.
I’m Over Randy Rainbow’s One-Note Act
I love parody. I love satire. I love theatre. Which is why Randy Rainbow’s videos are exhausting. It’s the same one-note routine over and over, dressed up like resistance.
A Respectful Reminder for Theatres Licensing “How to Dance in Ohio”
I’m begging theatre groups: don’t use flexibility as an escape hatch. If you’re telling a story about belonging, start by building a process where Autistic and neurodivergent performers can actually belong in your room.