Asheville Theater Alliance (ATA) "Behind the Curtains" Weekly Podcast

Natalie Graves Tucker, CEO of the multicultural marketing firm NGT Consulting and Founder of Blackstage DC offers another BIPOC voice in our Diversity series. Citing major marketing disconnects and primarily white audiences, Natalie points to several changes that need to be made, with transparency in hiring and season planning topping the list. She also talks about the work of the Black Artists Coalition that aims to work with theaters in DC to think outside the box with respect to casting decisions, assisting with season planning, offering education and cultural sensitivity programs and workshops and many other initiatives to make the industry more equitable. Her uplifting thoughts: "I'm hopeful that theaters will take this time with no productions to actually learn from what they are saying (with their statements of support) and move forward in a positive direction."

The Co-Founder and Artistic Director of Convergence Theatre Elena Velasco has been a leading BIPOC voice in the theater industry for years. She cites three major problems that need to be addressed before there is equity in the theater industry: tokenism, appropriation and representation. Elena stresses that relationships with professionals of color need to built, measurable goals need to be instituted and specific actions need to be taken, not just statements. One easy change - mentorships and making sure the next generation is the voice to demand diversity changes. Bottom line Elena states: "How do you feel welcome in a space where you don't see yourself or hear yourself."

The Artistic Director of Theater Alliance Raymond Caldwell, a leading voice in the BIPOC Community, discussed the foundational problems obstructing better diversity in the DC performing arts world. Citing a severe lack of BIPOC representation on theater Boards, extremely low number of BIPOC personnel in arts leadership roles, and organization mission statements and charters that make no references to anti-racism, Raymond outlines institutional problems that need to be fixed immediately. He also offers demands and marks of success that must happen to keep theater healthy, fair and equitable for the BIPOC community. Raymond's important piece of advice for listeners: "We have to make diversity happen. It will not happen on its own."

Scenic and costume designer Deb Sivigny, a leading voice in the BIPOC Community, detailed her views on the diversity problems in the DC performing arts industry. From economic implications of low-paying internships to consistently presenting shows about black trauma to lack of BIPOC in theater management positions to holding theater accountable to their Black Lives Matter statements, Deb provides listeners with much into these problems. She also offers some demands and marks of success that must happen to keep theater healthy, fair and equitable for the BIPOC community. One important piece of advice for listeners: "Acknowledge your position and what you are going to do personally about the problem. Lots to consider and think about in this interview."

Chil Kong, the Artistic Director of Adventure Theatre, speaks from the heart about the importance of children's theater in the DMV and in forming adult theater patrons in this "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" interview. Appearing as a featured guest as part of our five-part "Artistic Directors STEAM Ahead" series starring the five most successful theaters in the DC region, Chil talks about his multi-faceted film and theater career, diversity challenges in the performing arts industry, how children benefit from exposure to theater and much more. Also hear his unique description of those working in the industry. Very entertaining and insightful interview.

The Artistic Director of Arena Stage Molly Smith was a featured guest on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast as part of our five-part "Artistic Directors STEAM Ahead" series starring the five most successful theaters in the DC region. Hear her very insightful advice for listeners interested in an arts management career; learn about her own journey and successes in the theater profession; what changes she has witnessed in theater productions, and much more. What an honor to interview Molly who has broken so many glass ceilings for women in the theater management world in the DC region.

Ryan Rilette, the Artistic Director of Round House Theatre appeared on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast as part of our five-part "Artistic Directors STEAM Ahead" series starring the five most successful theaters in the DC region. Why are the arts important? How is he making the theater more representative of the community where they are located? What is critical to succeeding in an arts management career? Answers to those questions and much more are included in this wide-ranging interview with Ryan.

Signature Theatre's Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer was a featured guest on the "Embracing Arlington Arts Talks" podcast as part of our five-part "Artistic Directors STEAM Ahead" series starring the five most successful theaters in the DC region. What advice does Eric give young adults who want to open and manage a theater? What are some of the joys of running a theater? What is one priority he has when casting shows? And find out about two upcoming world premieres being presented by Signature. Honored to have had this opportunity to interview such a successful professional!

Maria Manuela Goyanes, the Artistic Director of Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company talks from the heart about her career in arts management in this interview. Talking directly to young listeners, she offers unique advice about the industry, insight into this job choice, joys and hurdles of running a theater company and whether she would recommend a career in arts management. Also learn her views on progress made on the diversity front both on and off the stage. This interview is part of a five-part "Artistic Director STEAM AHEAD" podcast series being aired this winter.