Performance Standard #6

Demonstrates sensitivity to inequities in technical education learning and career opportunities by incorporating specific instructional activities that promote equity

Scene from Deeds Not Words

Evidence 1: Script for original work Deeds Not Words

Description: This script, an original work by students, addresses the suffrage movement of the early 20th century while working against the inequities in the distribution of male to female roles in many dramatic works

Analysis: A significant problem facing theatre companies is the imbalanced nature of male to female roles in many works; a vestigial remnant of a time when it was considered unbecoming for a woman to be onstage, the challenging roles actors seek have all-too-often been created for men. To work against this, I have found that creating scripts with students allows them have control over role breakdowns. The technique of devised theatre, in which a script is created using artifacts such as letters, historic events, photographs, etc., is an effective tool in soliciting from students material that offers more opportunities for growth and exploration of the craft. By crafting a piece primarily for females and about the struggle for equal rights, the tone was set for other aspects of the production- stage management, technical director, lighting designer- to be helmed by the young women of the company, as well.

Evidence 2: Student essays

Description: Copies of reviews of Twilight: Los Angeles and Much Ado About Nothing

Analysis: The musical Hamilton has changed a great deal about the theatre industry- most notably the casting of BIPOC actors in roles for which, a few short years ago, they may not have been considered. Minority actors are nothing new in the industry, but the idea they could be at the top of the billing is a relatively recent occurence. Today's students are growing up in a world in which acceptance and tolerance are the expected norm, and the industry is, indeed, shifting toward more representation of minorities. Whether driven by changing attitudes among those in theatre or by a greater demand by more diverse audiences I cannot say, but I do know that one way of promoting equity is by exposing students to works by BIPOC actors, directors, and companies.

During the time of COVID, when theatres across the world have been shuttered, many companies have been engaged in virtual performances and in broadcasting recordings of shows; both of these options offer students the opportunity to see shows they would not otherwise. Two such productions were shown on PBS- Anna Deveare Smith's critically acclaimed one woman show, Twilight: Los Angeles, and the Public Theatre's Shakespeare in the Park all-black production of Much Ado About Nothing.

In normal times, students would attend a number of live theatre events over the year and write responses to each. This year, however, they have had to watch recordings available online. Students were asked to consider various elements of design; using instructions provided, they are tasked with reviewing the production. These two shows, both featuring minority casts, allow students to see minority actors in leading roles. It is my belief that by normalizing productions like these- instead of being "black theatre," they are theatre- the industry is allowing audiences to choose such productions not as novelties, but as options. Hamilton has indeed done a great service to the industry by opening the door; it is our responsibility to keep that door open so that today's students will not find it closed again.

Copy of Twilight_ Los Angeles.pdf

Copy of Much Ado paper.pdf

Anna Deveare Smith in "Twilight: Los Angeles;" Danielle Brooks and Grantham Coleman in "Much Ado About Nothing."

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