Inclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts Spaces

EDI (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 mindset necessary to the success and sustainability of DEIB work.Join Julie Ann and I for a joyful and inspiring conversation about the power of EDI work in the arts—and beyond!Grab all the links and resources mentioned in this episode at: https://www.inclusivestages.com/post/solving-big-world-problems-with-inclusive-storytellingConnect with Julie Ann:InstagramConnect 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 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 on in the world around us.I hope this episode can serve as a model for creating brave spaces built on trust, respect, relationship building, and what it looks like to engage in conversations from that place. Grab all the links and resources mentioned in this episode at: https://www.inclusivestages.com/post/3-black-women-3-takes-inclusion-work-in-2024Connect with Zena:LinkedInConnect with Dr. Charmain:InstagramConnect 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.

As 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 all the links and resources mentioned in this episode at: https://www.inclusivestages.com/post/the-music-director-view-from-the-pitConnect 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.

Brave 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!Grab all the links and resources mentioned in this episode at: https://www.inclusivestages.com/post/Why-Brave-Spaces-In-Theater-Should-Be-Non-NegotiableConnect 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.

There’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 resources mentioned in this episode at https://www.inclusivestages.com/post/run-a-thriving-arts-business-in-a-post-pandemic-era-with-aubrey-bergauerConnect with Aubrey:InstagramConnect 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.

Being 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-designerConnect with Raquel:InstagramWebsiteConnect 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.

There 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//motherhood-acting-edi-consultingConnect with Alexa:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInConnect 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 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 difference between constructive criticism and negative feedback, about feedback triggers and barriers, as well as what you can do in your role to encourage feedback culture in an organization.Grab the links and mentioned resources athttps://inclusivestages.com/post/feedback-resilience-is-missing-in-the-theater-industryConnect 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.

It’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 the importance of naming the elephant in the room, but not talking about the elephant. Enjoy the show!Please note that this episode mentions October 7th, which may be sensitive for some listeners.Grab the links and mentioned resources athttps://inclusivestages.com/post/reclaiming-agency-naming-the-elephant-in-the-room-with-jennifer-appleConnect with Jennifer:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInPodcastConnect 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.

Politics 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 into this deep discussion!Grab the links and mentioned resources athttps://www.inclusivestages.com/post/parenting-and-theater-politics-with-Jared-DixonConnect with Jared:WebsiteInstagramConnect 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.