Inclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts Spaces

Most 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.Enjoy the episode, friends!Grab resources, see the full show notes, and more at https://www.inclusivestages.com/post/what-can-we-learn-from-the-montessori-wayConnect with Kira:@kiratroilo @artandsoulconsulting @inclusivestages"'Black Hair'" Is Hair: An Entertainment Industry Guide WebsiteJoin our mailing list - scroll to the bottom of the pageThanks to our music composer, Zachary McConnell, and our producer, Leah Bryant.

What 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, how to stand out in auditions, and why inclusive casting is about more than checking boxes; it’s about creating rooms where people belong.This one’s for the artists, the dreamers, and anyone navigating the long game of a career in theater.Enjoy the episode, friends!Check out the full show notes and other resources at https://www.inclusivestages.com/post/can-casting-directors-be-inclusive-with-peter-van-damConnect with Kira:@kiratroilo @artandsoulconsulting @inclusivestages"'Black Hair'" Is Hair: An Entertainment Industry Guide WebsiteJoin our mailing list - scroll to the bottom of the pageThanks to our music composer, Zachary McConnell, and our producer, Leah Bryant.

Most 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 navigating hypervigilance and burnout to rewriting the stories we tell ourselves, this episode is full of practical takeaways and powerful reflections on what it takes to lead with empathy, clarity, and courage.Enjoy the conversation, friends!Check out the show notes and resources mentioned at https://www.inclusivestages.com/post/what-are-emotionally-intelligent-creative-spaces-with-zena-collinsConnect with Kira:@kiratroilo @artandsoulconsulting @inclusivestages"'Black Hair'" Is Hair: An Entertainment Industry Guide WebsiteJoin our mailing list - scroll to the bottom of the pageThanks to our music composer, Zachary McConnell, and our producer, Leah Bryant.

Discover how to transform creative environments with the innovative STAGES Framework. This six-step method promotes psychological safety and collaboration, allowing artists to thrive. Learn how to tackle challenges such as burnout and anxiety within the theater community. Real-life applications, like its use in a production of The Full Monty, showcase the framework's impact in addressing vulnerability and storytelling. Dive into creating rehearsal spaces that truly support risk-taking and foster inclusive artistry.

Most 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 emotional toll of performance, and what it really takes to build sustainable spaces in the arts that center wellbeing. From “deroling” techniques to the generational mistrust surrounding mental health care, this episode is packed with insights every arts leader should hear.Enjoy the show, friends!**Please note that this episode mentions sexual assault and suicide, which may be sensitive for some listeners**Grab all the links and resources mentioned in this episode at https://www.inclusivestages.com/post/what-are-trauma-informed-creative-spaces-with-dr-jackmanConnect with Dr. Charmain Jackman:WebsiteInnoPsych IGLinkedIn@askdrcharmain Connect with Kira:@kiratroilo @artandsoulconsulting @inclusivestages"'Black Hair'" Is Hair: An Entertainment Industry Guide WebsiteJoin our mailing list - scroll to the bottom of the pageThanks to our music composer, Zachary McConnell, and our producer, Leah Bryant.

I’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 inclusion.This conversation isn't just about one musical - it's about the future of artistic expression in America. Join us in this resistance by supporting local theater, amplifying diverse voices, and refusing to let important stories be silenced. As Chris Nee says, "Don't obey ahead of time" - our art and our communities need us now more than ever.Grab the links and the mentioned resources athttps://www.inclusivestages.com/post/when-a-president-attacks-a-musicalConnect with Kira:@kiratroilo @artandsoulconsulting @inclusivestages"'Black Hair'" Is Hair: An Entertainment Industry Guide WebsiteJoin our mailing list - scroll to the bottom of the pageThanks to our music composer, Zachary McConnell, and our producer, Leah Bryant.

In 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/donate, and join the conversation about creating truly inclusive creative spaces.Grab the links and mentioned resources at https://www.inclusivestages.com/post/white-house-declares-DEI-deadConnect with Kira:@kiratroilo @artandsoulconsulting @inclusivestages"'Black Hair'" Is Hair: An Entertainment Industry Guide WebsiteJoin our mailing list - scroll to the bottom of the pageThanks to our music composer, Zachary McConnell, and our producer, Leah Bryant.

Welcome 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. Thank you!We all know that things don't always work out the way we want them to. I was “supposed to” have done so many things that simply didn’t end up happening in 2024. But! I’ve also done so much that I did and didn’t plan for. Join me as I take a look at some hard truths and moments to celebrate from this year.In this episode, I’m leaning into something uncomfortable that I have people do when I coach them, which is to just show up. So if you find yourself feeling the exhaustion of all that has been 2024, I encourage you to listen to this episode and to take time to reflect on your own year!Grab the links and mentioned resources athttps://www.inclusivestages.com/post/lets-get-real-hard-lessons-of-2024Connect with Kira:@kiratroilo @artandsoulconsulting @inclusivestages"'Black Hair'" Is Hair: An Entertainment Industry Guide WebsiteJoin our mailing list - scroll to the bottom of the pageThanks to our music composer, Zachary McConnell, and our producer, Leah Bryant.

We’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 us off with an explanation of what they are, then we read the book, and we wrap up by talking about the zones we noticed. We hope you enjoy the show!Grab all the links and resources mentioned in this episode athttps://www.inclusivestages.com/post/the-zones-of-regulation-for-kids-and-parentsConnect with Kira:@kiratroilo @artandsoulconsulting @inclusivestages"'Black Hair'" Is Hair: An Entertainment Industry Guide WebsiteJoin our mailing list - scroll to the bottom of the pageThanks to our music composer, Zachary McConnell, and our producer, Leah Bryant.

In 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 recently had a personal experience that made me really stop and consider the best way to advocate for our needs without feeling like you're being difficult or rude. I have a way into this conversation that might sound like it's not theater related, but I encourage you to go with me on this. I promise I'll bring it back to theater quickly!Grab all the links and resources mentioned in this episode athttps://www.inclusivestages.com/post/why-everyone-pays-when-you-wait-to-self-advocateConnect with Kira:@kiratroilo @artandsoulconsulting @inclusivestages"'Black Hair'" Is Hair: An Entertainment Industry Guide WebsiteJoin our mailing list - scroll to the bottom of the pageThanks to our music composer, Zachary McConnell, and our producer, Leah Bryant.