Inclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts Spaces

In 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 being performing these really tough roles. (Spoiler alert: you will hear us share details about Fairview!)Grab the links and mentioned resources athttps://www.inclusivestages.com/post/Setting-boundaries-in-the-theaterConnect with Victoria:WebsiteFat Ham at the Alliance Theater in AtlantaConnect with Jon: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.

Welcome 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 this? Why does bad DEI work simply not work? And what can we do about it? I’ll be sharing all this and more in this episode! I’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to find me after the show!Grab the links and mentioned resources athttps://inclusivestages.com/post/dangers-of-dei-work-gone-wrongConnect 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.

Have 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 favorite shows and performers, the kinds of discrimination performers face in the industry, and what’s still left to be realized on stage. I know you're going to love this conversation, whether you're a theater artist, audience member, or just interested in learning more about the history of Broadway. But actors—I think you’ll feel very very seen in this conversation.Grab the links and mentioned resources athttps://inclusivestages.com/post/broadway-bodies-industry-bias-and-dreamgirls-with-ryan-donovanConnect with Ryan:WebsiteConnect 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 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 you'll love everything he has to say, so without further ado, let’s get to the show!Grab the links and mentioned resources athttps://www.inclusivestages.com/post/the-power-of-support-color-conscious-storytelling-with-corbin-bleuConnect with Corbin:InstagramTikTokConnect 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.

Other 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 in performance and rehearsal spaces. Together, we’re going to change the industry—one stage at a time!Grab the links and mentioned resources athttps://www.inclusivestages.com/post/inclusion-consultants-why-every-show-needs-oneConnect 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.

This 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’ve shared my story using my voice. Thank you so much for being here! Enjoy the show!Grab the links and mentioned resources athttps://www.inclusivestages.com/post/setting-the-stage-introducing-kira-troiloConnect with Rachel:WebsiteTikTokInstagramConnect 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 '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 let's collectively shape the future of care-forward creative spaces, one stage at a time.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.