I approach teaching as an opportunity to foster the diverse collaborators I hope to work with in the future. By creating an environment that promotes learning among a wide variety of students, we can help dismantle the barriers that prevent many young artists from entering the industry, or even seeing it as an option. With new perspectives and participants, we can also begin to change the overall environment of the industry and broaden the range of stories we are telling. This not only becomes a more interesting and inclusive theatre, it ends up allowing theatre to reach a wider audience. By opening up our definition of what theatre is, we help students look forward towards what theatre can be. We empower them to see themselves as the future of the industry. This helps create a new, diverse, active, and energized group of artists.
The following are a few ways I address diversity, equity, and inclusion in my teaching and professional practices:
I am actively addressing the issue of inequality in theatre production opportunities in high schools around the Pittsburgh Area. I have developed the design portion of the August Wilson New Voices Competition, and I run workshops to introduce high school students to the world of theatrical design.
I heavily recruit from high schools with large BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ populations. My purpose is to diversify the Theatre Production students at Point Park University.
I serve on the Season Selection Committee for the Theatre Department. We work to diversify our Conservatory Season, including more works that represent the global majority. My goal on this committee is not only to ensure opportunities for the Theatre Production students, but also to help create a season that will attract diverse guest designers and directors. Drawing strong BIPOC and female collaborators will allow our students to work with professionals who are actively changing the Theatre environment.
Diversity Statement
For my full Diversity Statement, please click here:
I actively seek out companies who not only produce work by typically underrepresented communities, but who celebrate BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and women leadership in their companies. I choose to work with companies who put their pledges of diversity into practice.
In class, we use plays and musicals that break the typical white cannon. I introduce my students to stories written by and for the global majority and underserved communities, and we work to expand the productions the students know about and are drawn to.
The guest speakers I bring into class are from a wide range of racial, gender and sexual identity, and socioeconomic backgrounds. My goal is that every student will see their future selves in the industry, and knows that no matter who they are or where they come from, they are welcome in the world of theatre.