Actress, Singer, sister, and friend Brennyn Lark joined the I've Been Thinking platform to share her beautifully hopeful perspective about the future of theatre, race, and community. Maybe we aren't in a period of discovery but rather remembering who we are as artists, especially artists of color. Is it possible that the future of theatre is filled with hope and freedom for all involved? You'll leave this conversation both inspired to believe and fight for more.

Imagine being an artist graduating from University in the midst of a global pandemic and on the cusp of racial reform in an industry long overdue. My friend and beautiful soul, Actress Sarah Windfeld Nandola (@sarahnandola) spent some time with me over on Instagram Live chatting about what the future of the theatre, television and film industry looks like from her perspective.

Ah…creatives. We’re a fun little group, aren’t we? Creative people tend to have a veritable treasure trove of amazing personality traits. We'll discuss creative energy, artistic intelligence, and the dogged discipline to innovate. Some call it audacity and some would call it downright naivete but, let's chat about what it really FEELS like to a creative person.

Typecasting refers to the practice of categorizing (and auditioning) actors or actresses based on their perceived appropriateness for a role. This is typically based on their appearance i.e. height, body shape, age, and yes, race. In light of the recent refocus on the issue of systemic racism and oppression and with online movements demanding accountability and change in the way business is done (like #broadwayisracist or #pulluporshowup) can we have an honest discussion about the role race and yes, racism has played in the way actors and actresses of color do (and don't) get roles?

With the Black Live Matters protests taking place all over the world we are having more conversations about race, diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace. This is highlighting some of the ways businesses are coming up short in helping their black and brown employees feel like they truly belong.