Women & Theatre Podcast

The Women & Theatre RISE Series presents mini-interviews conducted at the Inaugural RISE Summit with network partners of RISE Theatre, all of which are organizations working to increase equity in the theatre industry. In this episode, Hayley and Amy talk with Martha Steketee from Women Count. Click here for a transcript of the episode! Episode Notes Hosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy AndrewsGuest: Martha Steketee, Women CountMusic: Chloe Geller Listen to all published episodes of the Women & Theatre RISE Series here. Many thanks to RISE Theatre, Maestra Music, Playbill, and all the amazing organizations working to increase equity in theatre! Episode Resources: Visit the Women Count website About Women Count: The Women Count report series looks at Off- and Off-Off-Broadway hiring patterns to inform national conversations about gender parity in the American theater. The goal of the report series is to change the conversation from anecdotes to advocacy on behalf of female and non-binary playwrights, performers, and off-stage theater workers. Thanks for listening! Who do you want to hear from next on the Women & Theatre Podcast? Nominate someone here. The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!

The Women & Theatre RISE Series presents mini-interviews conducted at the Inaugural RISE Summit with network partners of RISE Theatre, all of which are organizations working to increase equity in the theatre industry. In this episode, Hayley and Amy talk with Susan Danish from the National Women’s History Museum. Click here for a transcript of the episode! Episode Notes Hosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy AndrewsGuest: Susan Danish, National Women’s History MuseumMusic: Chloe Geller Listen to all published episodes of the Women & Theatre RISE Series here. Many thanks to RISE Theatre, Maestra Music, Playbill, and all the amazing organizations working to increase equity in theatre! Episode Resources: National Women’s History Museum Report: Where Are the Women? Resource: For Educators, By Educators America 250 About National Women’s History Museum: Founded in 1996, the National Women’s History Museum (NWHM) is an innovative virtual-first museum dedicated to uncovering, interpreting, and celebrating women’s diverse contributions to society. A renowned leader in women’s history education, the Museum brings to life the countless untold stories of women throughout history, and serves as a space for all to inspire, experience, collaborate, and amplify women’s impact—past, present, and future. They strive to fundamentally change the way women and girls see their potential and power. Thanks for listening! Who do you want to hear from next on the Women & Theatre Podcast? Nominate someone here. The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!

Schele Williams, a Broadway director acclaimed for her work on Aida and The Wiz, dives into the importance of authentic representation in theater. She discusses how storytelling should prioritize values over biases and shares her inspiring journey from dance to directing. Schele also highlights the joy her children bring to her life, and reflects on her award-winning children's book about reclaiming history. Her passion for social justice and mentorship in the arts shines through in a captivating conversation that blends personal anecdotes with powerful advocacy.

The Women & Theatre RISE Series presents mini-interviews conducted at the Inaugural RISE Summit with network partners of RISE Theatre, all of which are organizations working to increase equity in the theatre industry. In this episode, Hayley and Amy talk with Sandy Sahar Gooen from TEMPO. Click here for a transcript of the episode! Episode Notes Hosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy AndrewsGuest: Sandy Sahar Gooen, TEMPOMusic: Chloe Geller Listen to all published episodes of the Women & Theatre RISE Series here. Many thanks to RISE Theatre, Maestra Music, Playbill, and all the amazing organizations working to increase equity in theatre! Episode Resources: Follow TEMPO on Instagram Follow Sandy on Instagram About TEMPO: TEMPO (Trans & Expansive Music Professional Organization) is an organization for artists under the trans/gender expansive umbrella as well as the music umbrella, predominantly within musical theatre. We work intercommunally and intracommunally. We partner with other organizations that share our goal of opportunities for growth as music makers for groups who have been historically overlooked. Thanks for listening! Who do you want to hear from next on the Women & Theatre Podcast? Nominate someone here. The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!

In this episode, Hayley and Amy talk with SheNYC Arts artistic director Danielle DeMatteo about building new approaches to break down barriers and increase gender equity in theatrical spaces, the arts industry’s power as a voting bloc, feminist rage that leads to needed change, and more. Click here for a transcript of the episode! Episode Notes Hosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy AndrewsGuest: Danielle DeMatteoMusic: Chloe Geller Episode Resources: Donate to SheNYC Arts Queen Anne Access Broadway NY Theatre Advocacy Collective Guest Bio: Danielle DeMatteo (she/her) is a writer/composer, photographer, and Artistic Director of SheNYC Arts. After working in the creative department at Jujamcyn Theaters (working on such shows as Kinky Boots, Jersey Boys, The Book of Mormon, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder, Something Rotten!, two seasons of Encores! at New York City Center, and more), she focused her work on fixing the gender gap in the Broadway industry. She founded SheNYC Arts in 2015 and is eternally grateful to all of the other talented arts workers who have helped it grow and develop since then into a nationwide nonprofit organization that operates in New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Dallas-Fort Worth. Outside of SheNYC, most recently she was on the worldwide Production team at Disney Theatrical Group, working on Frozen, The Lion King, and Aladdin around the globe. As a writer, her musicals have run off-Broadway, in Boston, and Chicago; her most recent piece, QUEEN ANNE, was the 2021 recipient of the Brooklyn Arts Council grant for musical theatre. In addition to her work in theater, she was one of the original organizers of the Women's March on Washington and has worked on a number of New York political campaigns, including as the Campaign Manager for Art Chang's 2021 Mayoral run. She was recently featured in Forbes Magazine, was named one of Five Women to Watch as Broadway Returns by Shonda Rhimes' publication, Shondaland, and is on the 2024 Broadway Women's Fund's Women to Watch list. Find Danielle Online: SheNYC Arts - follow on Instagram! SheLA Arts - follow on Instagram! SheATL Arts - follow on Instagram! SheDFW Arts - follow on Instagram! Thanks for listening! Who do you want to hear from next on the Women & Theatre Podcast? Nominate someone here. The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!

The Women & Theatre RISE Series presents mini-interviews conducted at the Inaugural RISE Summit with network partners of RISE Theatre, all of which are organizations working to increase equity in the theatre industry. In this episode, Hayley and Amy talk with Andrea Prestinario from Ring of Keys. Click here for a transcript of the episode! Episode Notes Hosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy AndrewsGuest: Andrea Prestinario, Ring of KeysMusic: Chloe Geller Listen to all published episodes of the Women & Theatre RISE Series here. Many thanks to RISE Theatre, Maestra Music, Playbill, and all the amazing organizations working to increase equity in theatre! Episode Resources: Ring of Keys website Follow Ring of Keys on Instagram Visit Andrea’s website About Ring of Keys: Ring of Keys is an artist service organization that fosters community and visibility for musical theatre artists - onstage and off - who self-identify as queer women, transgender, and gender non-conforming artists. The only organization of its kind, the Ring of Keys community is made up of actors, directors, dancers, singers, stage managers, lighting designers, dramaturgs, artistic directors, producers, casting directors, librettists, lyricists, composers, props designers, scenic designers, sound designers, choreographers, costume designers, and production managers who self-identify as lesbian, bisexual, trans, queer, femme, masc, non-binary, and the diversity of genders that queerness contains. They represent 850+ individuals in 40 US cities, Toronto, and London. Ring of Keys strives to kick (ball-change) the closet door open to create a vibrant, diverse musical theatre landscape for the future. Thanks for listening! Who do you want to hear from next on the Women & Theatre Podcast? Nominate someone here. The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!

The hosts dive into the art of goal setting, shedding light on how personal and professional aspirations intertwine. They tackle societal expectations and natural energy cycles that influence productivity. The discussion highlights the importance of celebrating small victories and fostering community support in the theater. Stories of resilience, accountability, and self-love resonate strongly, emphasizing the power of collaboration. Inspirational leadership in the arts also makes an appearance, showcasing representation as a vital aspect of creativity.

In this episode, Hayley and Amy talk with director Rachel Klein about socioeconomic barriers to working in theatre, mentorship as a tool to make theatre work more accessible, the challenges of earning respect as a woman leader, and more. Click here for a transcript of the episode! Episode Notes Hosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy AndrewsGuest: Rachel KleinMusic: Chloe Geller Episode Resources: NAMT Festival of New Musicals Iconoclast Theatre Collective The Trouble with Dead Boyfriends Esther, Heart of a Queen at the George Theater Spells of the Sea at the Kennedy Center Women & Theatre Podcast S2E8: Networking Guest Bio: Rachel Klein (she/her) is a New York City-based stage director specializing in new play and musical development. Off-Broadway: The Gospel According to Heather (Theatre 555; starring Katey Sagal); Red Roses, Green Gold (Minetta Lane Theatre/ft. the music of the Grateful Dead); Around the World in 80 Days (The Davenport Theatre); The Anthem (Lynn Redgrave Theatre); The Opposite of Love (Royal Performing Arts Space). Selected NYC: Tink! (NYMF); More Than All the World (Theatre for the New City); Circus of Circus (The House of Yes). Selected Regional: The Suffragist (Gallagher Bluedorn Theatre; starring Nancy Opel), Dead Certain (composer: Air Supply's Graham Russell); 54 the Musical (House of Independents; starring Michaela Jaé Rodriguez and Frankie Grande). Selected workshops and readings: High Priest (Paul Iacono’s Warhol Factory play); Helen (Starring Bonnie Milligan), Medusa: A New Pop Opera. Charity: Ms. Klein directed the charity roast of Michael Musto raising funds for the Callen Lorde Community Health Center, featuring Rosie O'Donnell, Bruce Vilanch, and Jinkx Monsoon. Ms. Klein is a proud member of SDC, founding member of Iconoclast Theatre Collective, guest teaching artist at Fordham University, serves on the New Musical Screening Committee for NAMT, directed Double, Double for Bite-Sized Broadway (ft. Richard Kind), and is the Director/Showrunner of the audio series The World to Come (ft. Adrienne Barbeau). Up next: Esther, Heart of a Queen (The George Theatre, Houston); Spells of the Sea (The Kennedy Center, DC). Find Rachel Online: Visit Rachel’s website Follow Rachel on Instagram Follow Rachel on Facebook Thanks for listening! Who do you want to hear from next on the Women & Theatre Podcast? Nominate someone here. The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!

The Women & Theatre RISE Series presents mini-interviews conducted at the Inaugural RISE Summit with network partners of RISE Theatre, all of which are organizations working to increase equity in the theatre industry. In this episode, Hayley and Amy talk with Marty Strenczewilk from Creative Nations Indigenous Artists Collective. Click here for a transcript of the episode! Episode Notes Hosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy AndrewsGuest: Marty Strenczewilk, Creative Nations Indigenous Artists CollectiveMusic: Chloe Geller Listen to all published episodes of the Women & Theatre RISE Series here. Many thanks to RISE Theatre, Maestra Music, Playbill, and all the amazing organizations working to increase equity in theatre! Episode Resources: Creative Nations Indigenous Artists Collective website Follow Creative Nations on Instagram About Creative Nations Indigenous Artists Collective: Creative Nations Indigenous Artists Collective is an all Indigenous-led artists collective, founded in 2020 at The Dairy Arts Center in Boulder, CO. They operate the Sacred Space, a permanent establishment for Indigenous Artists to create and share their work. Creative Nations’ goals are to create a space for creation and collaboration, as well as foster opportunities for all Indigenous artists to thrive. Thanks for listening! Who do you want to hear from next on the Women & Theatre Podcast? Nominate someone here. The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!

In this episode, Hayley and Amy talk with music director, artist, and educator Rose Van Dyne about building inclusivity, aligning actions with personal values, leaning into the intersection between community service and artistic expression, and more. Click here for a transcript of the episode! Episode Notes Hosts: Hayley Goldenberg and Amy AndrewsGuest: Rose Van DyneMusic: Chloe Geller Episode Resources: Broadway Cooks website Broadway Cooks Instagram Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert Musical Theatre Educators Alliance On the Margins Guest Bio: Rose Van Dyne (she/her) is a multifaceted artist and educator based in NYC. She is the co-founder of @BroadwayCooks, an organization that provides fresh food for houseless and hungry community members in Times Square and the five boroughs. Recent credits include: Actor— 1776 (Broadway, National Tour, ART), The Lonely Few (Off-Broadway at MCC), Cambodian Rock Band, All’s Well That Ends Well (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Interstate (Mixed Blood Theatre). Music Director— Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert tour (BlackInkPresents), Allegiance (54 Below), Dragon Baby (ART), Spring Awakening (Montclair State University), You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown (Out of the Box Theatrics), American Theatre Wing Songwriters Competition (2020–2022). Educator— Pace University, Marymount Manhattan College, BroadwayVox. www.rosevandyne.com, @rose_van_dyne Find Rose Online: Visit Rose’s website Follow Rose on Instagram Thanks for listening! Who do you want to hear from next on the Women & Theatre Podcast? Nominate someone here. The Women & Theatre Podcast is created and produced by Hayley Goldenberg and Amy Andrews. Please like, comment, subscribe, follow us on Instagram and Facebook, and consider making a donation to support our work. Thank you for listening!