Shows
Inclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesMaking Culture, Not Just Theater with Melory MirashrafiWhat if the most important thing a leader brings into the room… isn’t a resume, but a sense of culture?In this thoughtful and timely conversation, Melory Mirashrafi shares why they consider themselves a culture worker first, and how that lens transforms the way we create theater. From Persian epics to Pulitzer-winning plays, Melory unpacks what it takes to build spaces rooted in trust, agency, and care.This one’s wise, grounded, and full of quiet fire.Enjoy the episode, friends!Check out the full show notes and more r...2025-07-2945 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesJewish Joy and "Artivism" with Mara Jill HermanWhat if the stories you’re most connected to… are the ones you're being excluded from?In this important conversation, Mara Jill Herman shares what it means to be a Jewish artist and “artivist” in today’s theater world. From casting bias to creative resistance, she demonstrates how identity, advocacy, and art can intersect powerfully.This one’s bold, layered, and full of heart.Enjoy the episode, friends!Check out the show notes and resources at https://www.inclusivestages.com/post/jewish-joy-and-artivism-with-mara-jill-hermanConnect with Kira:2025-07-2237 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesNew Work Needs New Leadership: What We Can Learn from Across the PondWhat if the future of theatre isn’t just about new work, but about new leadership to support it?In this episode, I sit down with Emily Carewe of Theatre503 in London to explore what inclusive theatre leadership really looks like across the pond, and what we can learn from it. From championing debut playwrights to navigating UK arts funding challenges, Emily offers a refreshingly honest take on how small theatres can lead big change.We talk about what it means to stay mission-driven when resources are tight, how to...2025-07-1535 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesHarm or Discomfort? How Artists Tell the DifferenceWhat if the tension you’re feeling in the rehearsal room isn’t just about the work, but about how we define harm and discomfort?In this solo episode, I explore the growing disconnect in creative spaces and share a practical tool, the Stoplight System, to help you tune into your body, name what’s really happening, and respond with care. From personal stories to questions that can shift entire conversations, this episode invites you to lead with more clarity, courage, and compassion.This one’s tender, honest, and so needed right now.Enj...2025-07-0821 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesFreeing Your Voice & Reimagining “Traditional” Arts Spaces w/ Davin YoungsMost artists crave authenticity, but what happens when the systems we’re trained in ask us to perform instead of feel?Sound healing artist and singer Davin Youngs joins me to discuss reclaiming one's voice, unlearning perfectionism, and reimagining performance as a space for healing, presence, and transformation. We talk about the ways formal training can limit creative freedom—and how Davin found his way back to joy. This episode is a bold invitation to rethink what performance can be.Enjoy the episode, friends!Check out the full show notes...2025-07-0143 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesWhat Can We Learn from the Montessori WayMost theatermakers care about inclusion, but what does it really take to build spaces that center healing, agency, and belonging?Educator and consultant Maati Wafford joins me to explore how the Montessori method, mental health, and DEI work intersect, and what the arts can learn from this powerful approach. We explore the role of adult accountability, the power of prepared environments, and why curiosity (not control) is the key to real change.With a sweet cameo from my son Levi, this episode is both practical and deeply personal.2025-06-2447 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesCan Casting Directors Be Inclusive? with Peter Van DamWhat really happens in a Broadway audition room, and how do you get remembered down the line, even if you don’t land the role?Broadway casting director Peter Van Dam joins me to discuss what really goes into casting a show, from open calls that launch careers to the quiet instinct it takes to build a cast that feels right. We explore his journey from a shy kid with a VHS of Mary Poppins to helping shape productions like SIX and Dead Outlaw. Peter shares what casting directors do...2025-06-1740 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesWhat Are Emotionally Intelligent Creative Spaces? with Zena CollinsMost artists are experts at expressing emotions, but that doesn’t mean they’ve been taught how to navigate them offstage.What does it really mean to build emotionally intelligent spaces in the arts?Zena Collins, one-third of the Inclusive STAGES team, joins me to unpack emotional intelligence as a powerful tool for creative leaders. We discuss how emotions function as data, why most of us aren’t as self-aware as we think, and how assessments like the MSCEIT can reveal surprising insights into how we present ourselves in our work.From n...2025-06-1036 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesWhat Are Brave Creative Spaces? (Using the STAGES Framework)Most creative teams want to build inclusive environments, but without a clear process, things can fall apart quickly.So, how do we move from intention to action?In this episode, I’m walking you through the STAGES Framework—the six-step method I created through Art & Soul Consulting to help arts organizations build brave, resilient, and psychologically safe spaces. When artists feel supported, their work isn’t just safer—it’s better.From setting the scene with clarity to striking with care, I’ll show you exactly how this framework transforms t...2025-06-0320 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesWhat Are Trauma-Informed Creative Spaces? w/ Dr. JackmanMost theater companies want to support their artists, but many are missing the mark without realizing it.What does it actually mean to create psychologically safe spaces in the arts?There’s a powerful case to be made for prioritizing artists’ mental health—not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it strengthens the work. When we center psychological safety in our rehearsal rooms, everyone benefits.Dr. Charmain Jackman, part of the Inclusive STAGES program team, joins me for this vital conversation to share more about trauma-informed practices, the emotiona...2025-05-2745 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesWhen a President Attacks a MusicalI’m so excited to have the opportunity to bring you this conversation with the incredible writing team behind "Finn" - Chris Nee, Chris Dimond, and Michael Kooman - for an inspiring discussion about artistic resistance in the face of political censorship. When their critically acclaimed children's musical about a shark who discovers he might be a fish was abruptly canceled at the Kennedy Center following a presidential tweet, these artists refused to be silenced. Instead, they rallied Broadway stars for a sold-out benefit concert that transformed their setback into a powerful movement for artistic freedom and inc...2025-05-2042 min
Arts for the MASSesTransforming Theater: Inside EDI Consulting with Kira TroiloTransforming Theater: Inside EDI Consulting with Kira Troilo | Arts for the Masses PodcastJoin host Ryan Malyar as he sits down with Kira Troilo, an innovative EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) consultant revolutionizing the arts and theater spaces. In this powerful conversation, Kira breaks down her unique approach to creating more inclusive, compassionate, and connected artistic environments.Key Highlights:-What is EDI and why it matters in the arts-Creating safe, supportive spaces for artists-Bridging communication gaps in theater productions-The importance of empathy and understanding in creative spaces-Kira's groundbreaking STAGES framework for inclusive leadershipKira shares her journey from performer to EDI...2025-03-3138 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesWhite House Declares DEI Dead: Here's My TakeIn this special episode of Inclusive Stages, host Kira Troilo steps into the guest seat for a candid conversation about the evolving landscape of DEI consulting in theater. Interviewed by her husband Jared, Kira unveils her unique approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion work that builds bridges instead of barriers. As a DEI consultant challenging traditional training methods, she shares powerful insights about creating truly inclusive work practices that go beyond performative representation. Ready to transform your approach to diversity and inclusion? Support accessible DEI training in theater by contributing to the Inclusive Stages scholarship fund at inclusivestages.com...2025-02-1849 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesLet's Get Real: Hard Lessons of 2024Welcome to the Season 2 finale of the Inclusive Stages podcast! 2024 has been a wild ride—it feels like I just started the podcast and it’s surreal to already have two seasons under my belt. Today, I’m going to share my lessons and reflections from 2024 as well as plans for 2025. But before we get into it, I want to share my gratitude—for the people who’ve trusted me, who’ve listened to me and the guests that I've brought on, and who’ve been open to these newer conversations about the nuances of inclusion work in the arts. Th...2024-12-1727 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesCommunicating Our Feelings Through Stories & Zones with Levi TroiloWe’re doing things a little differently. My son Levi Troilo joins me today for a very special episode of the Inclusive Stages podcast!Levi and I love listening to podcasts where parents and children are reading books. We thought it would be fun to read a story and talk about a topic that applies to all kids and adults—the zones of regulation. The zones are especially helpful for improving communication and enabling each of us to talk about our feelings.If you’ve never heard of the zones before, don’t worry! Levi starts u...2024-12-1020 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesWhy Everyone Pays When You Wait To Self-AdvocateIn theater and in the arts world, self advocacy can feel almost impossible, especially for artists who so often feel they’re replaceable. In a lot of ways, that assumption is true and something we as an industry need to work on changing. Being able to advocate for yourself helps lay the groundwork for inclusion. Waiting to advocate for yourself can lead to a lot more stress, tension, and negative things that make communication difficult. And it leads to issues that can't make for an inclusive environment where people feel safe or supported or empowered. I re...2024-12-0325 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesSolving Big World Problems with Inclusive Storytelling with Julie Ann CrommettEDI (or DEIB) work truly is for all of us! And given how much heat the industry has received recently—it could use a bit of a rebrand. Because representation in storytelling has the power to help us solve big problems in the world! If we let it…With a journey that’s taken her to Harvard, Walt Disney, Google, and even the TEDx stage—Julie Ann Crommett knows just how big of a ripple effect inclusive storytelling can have! In this conversation, Julie Ann shares about the importance of belonging, what the CSI effect is, and the mind...2024-11-2650 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts Spaces3 Black Women, 3 Takes: Inclusion Work in 2024Welcome to a very special episode of the Inclusive Stages podcast. A conversation centered around defining inclusion, creating a shared vision for this work, and establishing a brave space for difficult conversations. Because we can only become stronger and more connected people, organizations, and artists when we learn how to engage in hard conversations. I'm joined by two of my favorite collaborators and incredible colleagues, Zena Collins and Dr. Charmain Jackman. We sit down to discuss the state of inclusion work—especially the big question of how to keep pushing forward as inclusion practitioners despite what’s going...2024-11-1927 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesThe View from the Pit with Music Director Dan RodriguezAs a music director, Dan Rodriguez knows how critical inclusion is in theater and the arts. It’s critical in often unseen places like the pit, where you’ll find musicians, vocal performers, and the music director. Music directors tend to be with production processes the longest, which means they understand and have a unique position of influence within a show. In this conversation, we discuss Dan’s journey into theater, the importance of trust between performers and music directors, vocal health, and how Dan supports transgender actors. I hope you enjoy the show!Grab a...2024-11-1249 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesWhy ‘Brave Spaces’ In Theater Should Be Non-NegotiableBrave spaces, I hope you'll agree, aren't a luxury in the arts. They’re a necessity for theater lovers and professionals. Without them, we can't push the boundaries of art and storytelling in a way that's healthy and sustainable. And isn't that what we're all here to do? Create art and theater that's daring and meaningful and makes a difference. There's a lot of wisdom we can take from physically demanding jobs like stunt performers. Join me for this episode, where I’m sharing the 5 specific things we can do to create brave spaces for theater professionals!...2024-11-0518 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesRun a Thriving Arts Business in a Post-Pandemic Era with Aubrey BergauerThere’s a business case to be made for theater companies and arts organizations. We need to fill the seats with more dedicated theater lovers and friends. To do that, it’s important to be inclusive of the community we serve, think outside the box, and consider how we can welcome new audience members in a thoughtful, sustainable way. Aubrey Bergauer joins me for this conversation, where she shares more about the math of diversity, the untapped potential of the subscription economy, and the best approach to change management! Enjoy the show, friends!Grab all the links and...2024-10-2943 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesInclusive By Design: Costumes, Hair & Working with Gen ZBeing a theater costume designer is about so much more than creating an outfit someone will wear for a performance. It’s about seeing that person, collaborating with them, and empowering them to bring this character to life night after night! Raquel Adorno began as a stage performer and, over time, transitioned into her most impactful role—theater costume designer. She shares about her entire journey—including what it’s been like being a mom and theater professional.Grab all the links and resources mentioned in this episode at https://www.inclusivestages.com/post/professional-theater-costume-designerConnec...2024-10-1540 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesEDI That Actually Works for Theater Culture Change with Alexa SmithThere are so many other talented, dedicated, and caring folks out here supporting everyone who brings a production to life. And this conversation is actually the very first time I met Alexa Smith! She’s had a very similar journey to me with acting, motherhood, and EDI consulting. Alexa shares about her early acting career, what led her to become a consultant, and (possibly my favorite topic) how she’s navigated motherhood in the theater industry. Get ready for an amazing conversation, theater friends!Grab the links and mentioned resources athttps://inclusivestages.com/post//mothe...2024-10-0849 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesThe #1 Missing Skill in the Theater IndustryI'm making good on a promise from my last solo episode—I’m talking about one of the most important and underrated skills that is missing from the theater industry. We haven't been educated about it, and yet it’s at the heart of all our creative work. Have you guessed what it is yet? When I say the word, it typically elicits groans—so get ready to groan. It's feedback and feedback resilience. Now you may be thinking, what does feedback have to do with inclusion? The answer: it's everything, friends! And today, you’re going to learn the differ...2024-10-0127 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesReclaiming Agency & Naming the Elephant in the Room with Jennifer AppleIt’s hard to know how much of yourself to bring to a character as an actor. There’s also the question of which roles to even audition for? It can be absolutely exhausting trying to figure out which boxes to put yourself in and what to do with your talents in this industry. Which is why I’m grateful Jennifer Apple is here with me for this conversation! She shares how actors can take back their agency, why it’s critical you bring yourself to the character, and where the theater industry could use a redirect. We also get into...2024-09-2454 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesIn the Room Where It Happens: Politics & Parenting with Jared DixonPolitics is a part of not only the musical “Hamilton” but also the theater industry itself. From theater governance to policies that affect parents to actor taxation, there’s a whole section of theater that you may not be aware of—yet! If we hope to see change, we must take action. And that’s one major theme of this episode with Jared Dixon. Jared joins me for an incredible conversation! He shares about life pre-pandemic, becoming a husband and homeowner, how parenting has impacted his acting career, and the special bonds he has with castmates. Press play and launch int...2024-09-1757 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesHiring Black Artists? Consider These 5 Key Things FirstOne easy way to show that you value black actors and members of your production team is to have thought things through ahead of time. Another is to ask for and actually act on feedback. There is so much I want to share on this topic, so what better way than to record a podcast and share that with you? Today’s solo episode—and season 2 opener for the Inclusive Stages Podcast—is centered around my top 5 points all theaters and leaders should consider before hiring folks of color. This is, of course, a shame-free zone and I share these...2024-09-1031 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesRelationships, Race, & Reviving Curiosity with Jared TroiloAt work, Jared and I try to stay as far apart as possible because he’s the actor and I’m the EDI consultant. This is Jared, as in Troilo—my husband and father to our son, Levi! This conversation is a huge treat for us! Join us as we discuss Jared’s 20+ year acting career, parenting in the theater industry, relationship building, the importance of curiosity, and the behind-the-scenes of starting my company and this podcast! It’s been quite a wild ride, and as we close out Season 1 of Inclusive Stages, I’m so thrilled to be able to have...2024-06-2548 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesWe Know How To Fix the Entertainment IndustryThere are many conversations happening about mental health and the arts—but not much is being done about it. Art is a powerful medium for change, yet education is being minimized and artists aren’t being handled with care. Which is why it fills me with such joy to introduce you to these two incredible powerhouses who are in fact doing this work alongside me! Please meet Zena Collins and Dr. Charmain Jackman. In this roundtable discussion, you’ll hear more about how we connected with each other, the inclusion work we’ve each been doing, and how we’ve been id...2024-06-1850 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesWhy I Needed to Retire from Acting (For Now)Today, I want to talk about something I’ve wanted to share for a while—why I decided to retire from acting. On this podcast, I ask other actors and artists to come on and be vulnerable. I invite them to share their stories and dig deep with me. So it’s only fair that I do that myself. In this episode, I’m sharing my experiences as a commercial and theater actor—as a mom and an actress—and what ultimately led me to retire from the stage. Join me for this raw solo conversation, and please let me know if t...2024-06-1120 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesUps & Downs of B'way Behind-the-Scenes & Reclaiming “Fat” w/ Katy GeraghtyWhen discussing inclusion in musical theater and the arts, body diversity must be a part of that conversation. Actors come in all shapes and sizes—with all of the lived experiences that go along with their bodies. The audition process can be a source of trauma—or inspiration! The performances themselves can be hurtful—or empowering! My guest today, Katy Geraghty, is a New York-based actor, performer, and teacher. And as a self-proclaimed fat woman she’s on a mission to take back the power of words and highlight the talent that is within each one of us! Katy and I ch...2024-06-0446 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesTransitioning, Type-Casting & Learning from Each Other OffstageTelling stories in the theater is evolving. There are intimacy coordinators and EDI consultants like me. But the real change is happening by the real people having real conversations and real growth with each other in real time. These productions aren’t just opportunities for the audience to grow and gain a different perspective—we, as actors, get to do this as well! And when I collaborated with Carlee Fallon and Carolyn Saxon, I just knew I wanted to be able to share their story. Today I’m talking with these two amazing women about all things inclusion, the theate...2024-05-2854 min
Leading Behind The Scene122: Redefining Success: How Moms Can Build Thriving Businesses with Kira TroiloSend Gwendolyn a Text Message!We continue to explore the remarkable intersection of motherhood and entrepreneurship. Today, we have the honor of speaking with the incredible Kira Troilo, who is nurturing her family and building thriving businesses. Join us as we discuss her journey and uncover the strategies she uses to balance the dual roles of mom and business leader.Kira takes us on her journey from working a desk job to becoming a mother and an entrepreneur. From the challenges of dealing with miscarriages to the joys of finally becoming a mother, Kira's story...2024-05-2327 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesHow To Create an Inclusive Rehearsal Room CultureCreating inclusive spaces in rehearsal rooms is just one piece of the puzzle. But it has a huge ripple effect! Who wouldn’t want to feel heard, seen, and valued, right? (And this doesn’t just go for the actors, friends…) Part of my mission with this podcast is to share what I’ve learned—and continue to learn—on my journey as an EDI consultant. So today, I’m walking you through my CULTURE Roadmap. This roadmap helps establish the culture of the rehearsal and performance spaces for every single show I work with. I hope you find this helpful a...2024-05-2127 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesBeyond Accessibility: Disability Representation in Theater with Brennan SrisirikulDisability representation in theater is still a misunderstood and even avoided topic. But I’m hoping to change that with today’s conversation. Meet Brennan Srisirikul, a talented disabled actor, producer, and advocate! We bonded over coffee and the fact that, while progress has been made when it comes to disability and theater, there’s still work to do. We discuss everything from how we can tell disabled stories better, auditioning as a disabled person, and how to navigate the topic of disability with kindness. In this vulnerable interview, Brennan makes a beautiful point—disability breeds so much creativity. I know y...2024-05-1444 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesConsent-Forward Practices & Care-Forward Leadership with Leigh BarrettBeing a “consent-forward artist” or birthing a “care-forward creative space” sounds lovely, but it’s a BIG job. The theater industry has historically had a “just push through” mentality. Thankfully, we’ve seen that begin to shift in the last few years, but not without some damage being done. Leigh Barrett is a beloved Boston-based actor, singer, and director, and she knows all too well the labor of changing what leadership looks like. In this episode, Leigh and I discuss how we (as actors, directors, and theater lovers) can bring more connection and conversation to a production—or even simply bring balan...2024-05-0745 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesTour Life & EDI Conversations with Aaron Michael RayHow often do you get asked about your lived experiences? All those moments added up to create the person you are today, yet not all of us are fortunate enough to have people in our world willing to ask questions and listen to what we have to share. But Aaron Michael Ray saw a way to encourage, facilitate, and help all of us heal from conversations just like that.I’m so excited to bring you this interview with my friend Aaron. He’s just coming off of the Come From Away Tour, which much of our conv...2024-04-3039 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesSetting Boundaries Behind the Scenes for Racism On StageIn order to tell a story, we need all aspects of the story. And that includes the difficult and tricky parts, the villains, the hurt. This conversation is real. It’s raw. It’s incredibly vulnerable. I’m joined by Victoria Omeregie and Jon Vellante in this first roundtable episode. I can’t think of two better actors for this conversation. I had the pleasure of working with them for Fairview at Speakeasy Stage in Boston. I hope you’ll join us as we discuss what it takes both on stage—but, more importantly, what it takes off-stage from the human be...2024-04-2345 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesDangers of DEI Work Gone WrongWelcome to my first solo podcast episode! I’m discussing DEI work gone wrong and why I prefer to say EDI work. Words matter and there’s a very subtle difference between the two acronyms. I’ll share about the unique considerations for EDI work for the arts. But this episode is mostly focused on the 5 signs of bad DEI work we should all be aware of and my 5 commitments to you for the work we’re going to do with this podcast. What is DEI and EDI work truly about? What do shame, guilt, and vulnerability have to do with...2024-04-1627 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesBroadway Bodies: Industry Bias and Dreamgirls with Ryan DonovanHave you ever stopped to think about the people—the actual humans—whose bodies are telling stories on stage? Or about the history of musical theater? How about the implicit bias that goes into what we see on stage? When I began doing EDI work for theater and the arts, I couldn’t find many resources about the topic of inclusion and Broadway musicals. That is… until I found the book called Broadway Bodies: A Critical History of Conformity. You’ll meet author, dancer, and scholar Ryan Donovan in this episode. In this thoughtful conversation, we discussed some of our...2024-04-0947 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesThe Power of Support and Color Conscious Storytelling with Corbin BleuBeing a multiracial actor is a unique experience. You feel pulled in several directions quite often and don’t always see a spot for someone like you on the screen or stage. I’m so grateful to have Corbin Bleu joining me for this conversation about this very topic! Not only am I a fan, we recently had the chance to work together on the world premiere of Summer Stock at the Goodspeed Opera House. Corbin shares so many great insights for actors, and specific advice for taking care of yourself while being part of this wild industry. I know...2024-04-0251 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesInclusion Consultants and Why Every Show Needs OneOther industries have people who can help employees and employers navigate conflict or difficult conversations, so why doesn’t the theater industry? Inclusion consultants (or EDI consultants) aren’t new, but it’s a newer role in theaters and the arts. Today, I’m sharing more about my work in this industry, how I got here, and what I’m doing to further this work and help even more people! Inclusive Stages isn’t just the name of this podcast—it’s a brand, a framework, and a movement. And it’s here to be the help we’ve needed for so long i...2024-04-0224 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesSetting the Stage: Introducing Kira TroiloThis is your host, Kira Troilo, and today I’m joining you from the guest seat! In this podcast, I speak with theater makers, artists, directors, actors, and lovers and I ask them to share and be vulnerable. So, it only feels right for me to kick off the podcast by doing the same. You’ll hear about my childhood, life in the theater, who I am, the work I’m doing, and how exactly I got to this place. This episode means so much to me because, although I’ve written about my experiences, this is the first time I’v...2024-04-0246 minInclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts SpacesWelcome to Inclusive StagesWelcome to 'Inclusive Stages' -- the go-to weekly podcast for theater makers, theater artists and theater lovers who want to make our industry a better place for everyone. We'll chat with actors, directors, designers, scholars and more about the current landscape of the theater scene, and get their thoughts on how we can do better. Host Kira Troilo will also give you a sneak peak into live EDI coaching sessions, and offer actionable tips for creating more equitable, inclusive and empathetic theater spaces that support and value the diversity of artists and audiences. Join the conversation, and l...2024-03-2602 minLeading Behind The Scene112: Championing Diversity and Inclusion in the Arts CommunitySend Gwendolyn a Text Message!Do you want to be inspired by an extraordinary woman making waves in the arts community? Maybe you are curious about the power of diversity and inclusion in theater and the arts. In this episode, we dive into the remarkable story of Kira Troilo, a visionary leader dedicated to transformative change.If you want to learn how the arts can pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable cultural landscape, this episode is for you.In this episode, we cover:The incredible journey of Kira...2024-03-1405 min
Empowered Artist Collective Podcast - for actors, singers, dancers, writers, creators and performersImplementing Equity, Diversity & Inclusion with Kira TroiloIn this episode, Jennifer talks to EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) consultant, Kira Troilo. Kira highlights the importance of an "equity-first" approach in the DEI framework, emphasizing the need to create systems that support and value diversity and inclusion in the arts. They unpack the various aspects of EDI, the challenges faced in theater companies, and the need to address implicit biases and make space for difficult conversations to begin building bridges and fostering forgiveness in a polarized culture. They offer practical insights and tools on how to implement EDI practices -- starting from show selection to casting to...2023-11-071h 03