A recent report by Solange Urdang OBE, FRSA at the Black British Theatre Awards has found that "79% of respondents felt unsupported in entering the industry in offstage roles." higher than those in onstage roles (which is also still far too high). As a dual-heritage theatre professional with over 20 years in industry this sadly comes as no surprise. In my experience there have been many well meaning initiatives by compassionate and intelligent sector leaders, which have failed to make real change. The truth is that there are only so many panels, round tables, and dense papers (often missing the voices that they are about) that you can attend or wade through before fatigue sets in. There are only so many free tickets you can give away for press nights before things start to creak. Onstage representation feels better now than ever. Offstage still feels lacking to piss poor. I'm not, despite how this might read, laying into theatres' leadership. I think there is a genuine desire to enact change, and I think people at the top are as exhausted and frustrated as anyone else. For my tuppence worth there are two things that could/should change to make a difference. First and foremost there needs to be better recruitment and training of diverse staff throughout all roles and levels within organisations. You might come to see a show that has people like you onstage, but if your entire experience until you sit down has not had any direct interactions with people like you then you've already had to overcome multiple micro-barriers. You might simply feel that this place, despite its progressive art, is not for you. (little shout out to the people working as a solo minority in your organisation - I see you and respect you). Secondly, the stories being told need to better represent the actual experience of our diverse communities, not the romanticised version of them. I bet if you stack up the number of plays on Black historical trauma vs Black Succession-esque dramas it would be very lopsided. Similar of 'gritty' working class hard hitting tales of struggle vs council estate magical realism. Theatre, I love you. But something's not working. Time to be brave and make different choices. Treat the communities that you're trying to reach like real people, just like you, rather than a cypher. All the free tickets in the world are not going to solve your problems.
Nick Young-Wolfe’s Post
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This is a sad day for Black British Theatre. Eclipse Theatre has shut down. Black British Theatre has been feeling the heat in recent years, especially after the pandemic. Covid was a real disaster for the theatre world. Creatives are also feeling it because to survive is getting harder. When the foundation shuts down like this, it affects more than the people who work at this particular theatre company. It affects the ecosystem. Theatre as a whole has been going through a rough time since the pandemic ended. You may have noticed ticket prices have gone up a bit. Maybe you noticed the theatre was cold during a show like a friend pointed out to me. I like the cold, so it doesn't bother me. However, she was freezing. Her theory, it could be they are turning down the heating to save cost. That was a new one for me. It never crossed my mind. Things have been tight. The Stage digital platform has had a number of stories about this. There was hope the budget would soften the blow. If the big boys and girls of theatre are struggling, imagine what the small league members are dealing with. Multiply that by 10 for Black British theatre companies and practitioners. One of the issues at the core of this struggle for the theatre space is FUNDING! Same with other creative sectors. I can't help but think about Talawa Theatre and Tiata Fahodzi at this time, and other pioneering Black British Theatre Companies? While we await the full context - https://lnkd.in/eMTBdnzk - for the shutdown of Eclipse, we hope for the survival of the ones we have left. #Theatre #BlackBritish #BlackBritishTheatre #BlackStories #BlackNarratives
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Check out this great article with Garlia Cornelia Jones and her work!
Founder | Writer & Producer | Marketing Consultant | Podcast Host | Thought & Artistic Leader | Blackboard Plays, Harlem9, PAAL, Obsidian Theatre Festival, The Public
Sharing this feature in honor of #BlackTheatreDay! 🎭 https://lnkd.in/eNZBifR5 This Playbill piece was written pre-Obsidian Theatre Festival and #BMPFest, two more festivals that are part of my journey as a Black Theatre practitioner! I am incredibly proud of all of this work and all of these organizations. They are exactly what #BlackTheatreDay stands for! Keep following along with me today to learn more about what Black Theatre Day is and WHY it takes place on September 17th! In the meantime, check out this piece and the link in the comments to support the work! #blacktheatre #blackplaywright #blackproducer #blackstoryteller #blackcreator #africangrove
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We had a BLAST at the South Bend Civic Theatre 80's prom! While I only had a lead role in one high school musical, when I think back on the impact my short time on stage had on my life, I am reminded of the many important lessons learned! - 𝐒𝐞𝐥𝐟-𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲: The theatre provided a space for exploration and self-expression, allowing me to delve into a diverse character, ultimately deepening my understanding of myself and others. - 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Collaborating with directors, stage crew, and cast members taught me the essence of teamwork and leadership, essential qualities in both personal and professional worlds. - 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 & 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Theatre is a playground for creativity and innovation, constantly pushing boundaries and shaking up conventional thinking. It's where I was challenged to think outside the box, and those skills have seeped into every corner of my life. - 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 & 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Whether captivating an audience on stage or delivering a pitch in the boardroom, theatre honed my communication and presentation skills, empowering me to convey ideas with authenticity, confidence and clarity. - 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: From last-minute script changes to unforeseen challenges during performances, theatre taught me the importance of adaptability and resilience, crucial traits for navigating life's twists and turns. I encourage you to celebrate the impact the Arts can have on personal and professional growth, and support our local theatre! 𝓡𝓮𝓶𝓪𝓲𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰 2024 𝓢𝓱𝓸𝔀𝓼: - The Little Mermaid: 4/26-5/12 - Twelfth Night: 6/28-7/14 - Anything Goes: 7/26-8/11 - The Play that Goes Wrong: 10/4-10/6 - The Birds: 10/18-10/27 - Finding Nemo: 11/15-11/23 - All is Calm: 12/13-12/15 #theatre #lifelessons #selfdiscovery #growthmindset #thoughtleadership
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⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Recommendation ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ My recommendation this week is The Bridge Theatre's Guys and Dolls, with a "standing" ticket. Guys and Dolls as a story is a little outdated. Women who save themselves until after the wedding, men who think that getting married equates to being dead, that sort of thing. But it's a love story at heart, and as such, the answer to why Miss Adelaide is so keen on getting married is that she loves Nathan. Besides, it's a good conversation starter, especially when going with young people, about how things used to be and why we changed them. As fit for an outstanding production, you are transported into a different time and place, wholly engrossed in the story of Sister Sarah, Sky Masterson, Nathan Detroit, and Miss Adelaide. The cast is phenomenal, particularly @marishawallace as Miss Adelaide and @celindeschoenmaker as Sister Sarah Brown. Best singing in a musical I've heard since Idina Menzel's Elphaba. The dancing is also superb. I've been lucky enough to see this production both from the gallery (exposing young people to good theatre) and the pit (with a friend). If you have a particular reason, like sensory overwhelm or dodgy knees, the gallery view is excellent. But if you want an experience, I highly recommend the pit. Sure, you need to stand for almost three hours (assuming you can find a place to sit during intermission). I was worried about that. But then they started singing, and I thoroughly forgot I was standing. It's that good. Tips: depending on your specific young person, you can probably take a precocious, well-into-pop-culture 12-year-old, but there are some racy dances/costumes. Note that under 12s aren't allowed in the pit. Also, if you can, stay in when the intermission lights go on. There will be tables to sit at in the pit, and you can participate in the intermission show. Also, after the show, there's a party at the pit. Don't say I didn't warn ya. Tickets: https://buff.ly/3T5cSqh #recommendations #theatre #musical #activitieswithyoungpeople #London
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Working on new cabaret characters… 💃 It’s a lot of fun! The creative process can be frustrating at times, but it’s also incredibly fulfilling when it goes right. Still, the work we do is always developing and changing. It’s the nature of live performance (especially cabaret) that the audience will affect your approach in some way, whether it’s subtly or outright - like if you’re reacting to their energy vs. involving them actively. The work changes every night we perform, and it keeps growing. So whether you’ve seen our shows before or you’re just a regular theatre fan - let us know. ⬇️ 👉 What do you like the most about live performance? 👉 What do you feel every good cabaret needs? 👉 What kinds of representation do you wish you saw more of in the theatre? #Performance #Theatre #Development
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My essay for HowlRound Theatre Commons, "We Can't Build an Equitable Theatre While Ignoring Covid," is now published. If we want to build an accessible, anti-racist, equitable theatre field, we MUST enact COVID precautions. It is my hope that my fellow theatremakers (and arts workers of all kinds) will read this essay and it can serve as a loving call-in and an offering for us all to re-commit to our values. Please let me know your thoughts! https://lnkd.in/es9Htf8y
We Can’t Build an Equitable Theatre While Ignoring COVID
howlround.com
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Thinking about majoring in theatre? Theatre alumnus Kevin Hanley (BA '17) reflects on his experience: "I came to the Theatre Department to study acting. Encouraged to explore every facet of theatre, I acted, directed, wrote, designed, and stage-managed. I was able to find my place in the professional theatre by exploring each discipline. This wide range of knowledge paired with mentorship I received (and still receive) from professors gave me the ability to confidently start my career as a professional stage manager." Learn more about our theatre program: https://lnkd.in/eUfNefa2
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On board with this endeavor, as student leaders they will bring to the table a changed world in the business community. As Hans eloquently summarized, "ANY industry/organization beyond just the classroom." Could implement these strategies for inclusive behavior. 1) Start with an access check 2) Adjust, don't discard 3) Prioritizing representation 4) Check your language
Theatre education is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Each #Thespian brings their unique abilities, needs, and backgrounds to the stage, influencing their experience and engagement with #theatre. Recognizing this diversity is crucial in creating an #inclusive environment where every student can thrive. At the Theatre Education Conference, experts Courtney J. Boddie and Kerry W. led a pivotal workshop titled "From Casting to Curtain: Centering Inclusion Throughout the Theatre Education Experience." EdTA caught up with them to delve into their their insights and explore four actional strategies for educators aiming to enhance #accessibility in their programs. #GIVE #TheatreAccessibility #InclusiveTheatre #ArtsEducation #DiversityInArts #TheatreEducation #InclusionMatters
Theatre Accessibility: How to Improve Your Program
https://schooltheatre.org
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📣 Industry insight days and subjects covered. The word rejection, has negative connotations. As part of our commitment to giving back, sharing industry insights and helping young performers prepare for the world of auditions and performing, one of the areas we are covering at our next industry day is we need to learn to reject the word rejection. Auditions are hard enough, you don’t need to think not being picked as a rejection, regardless of what you might hear you don’t need to get used to it, and you don’t need to grow a thick skin. We are committed to helping you understand the process, trust the process which is a change of mindset, a change of dialogue and being in charge of the outcomes. ❤️ Do what you love… love what you do #dancers #singers #musicians #actors #performance #entertainment #theatre #theatreshows #shows #onepeelteam #peeltalent
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