A production highlight of POTUS’ Steppenwolf, written by Selina Fillinger and directed by Audrey Francis. (Photo by Michael Brosilow)
As our annual season preview issue heads to press, we are living through a time of tremendous change in our country, in our theaters, and at the TCG. Kelundra Smith has been named director of publications, with advertising, American theaterARTSEARCH and TCG Books falling under its jurisdiction. We promoted Jerald Raymond Pierce to editor-in-chief and Gabriela Furtado Coutinho to digital editor of American Theater. Furthermore, we have been in our new co-general manager positions only a short time, and the search for a third co-ED is well advanced. Our co-leadership structure points to a new path forward, not only for TCG but for many theater organizations across the country; even those not originally founded as ensembles or collectives are reimagining how multiple leadership philosophies and diverse viewpoints can complement each other. We look forward to growing into these roles because we believe shared leadership allows us to use our collective imagination in better ways to serve you all.
For example, the current question of American theater highlights the artists, volunteers, administrators and technicians who work behind the scenes. For “Tales from Behind the Scenes,” Boutayna Chokrane highlights important figures across the country who guide our rehearsal rooms and play a vital role in transporting audiences to theatrical worlds. As Angie Ahlgren writes in “How Do You Manage?” “, the job isn’t always easy, especially when it comes to dealing with the toll on mental health, rising production costs, and shrinking budgets that behind-the-scenes workers are forced to on the front line. We want you to know that at TCG, we are on the ground with you advocating to funders and legislators the need for theater and the performing arts in our communities.
This is particularly important as the November 5 presidential election approaches. If your theater community doesn’t already have a get-out-the-vote plan, develop one, because an engaged electorate is essential for a fair and thriving theater. ecology. Gabriela Furtado Coutinho explores the importance of an engaged electorate in his interviews with the playwrights of The Cuban vote And The Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latin voteboth appearing across the country. This concern for the direction of our nation – and this deep desire for joy – is also reflected in the annual report List of the 10 most produced coinswhere Heidi Schreck What the Constitution Means to Me and that of Selina Fillinger POTUS both claimed spots. Additionally, TCG Books has just published Shaina Taub SufferNOW on Broadwayhighlighting the role of women in this particular election.
That said, regardless of the election results, the future of American theater will be shaped by how we show up for each other. Our communities already view us as essential – just look at how we’ve seen audiences and donors step up to support theaters in crisis over the past few years. We wish each company and all its actors a bountiful year of theater as you pursue this craft that we love and that unites us with the communities and cities we serve. To every audience member: We thank you for continuing to support theater companies nationwide and embarking on this journey with us!
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