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In this conversation, Tony Award-winning Broadway actress and producer LaChanze discusses her work as the president of Black Theater United and her mission to create a more inclusive and diverse Broadway. She shares her journey as an actress and producer, the importance of representation in the industry, and her commitment to bringing the work of overlooked artists, such as Alice Childress, to the forefront. LaChanze also talks about her production company and her passion for increasing and diversifying audiences in the theater. Overall, she emphasizes the need for love, connection, and vision in both personal and professional life.
Read more about LaChanze here.
Keywords: Broadway, Black Theater United, inclusivity, diversity, representation, producing, directing, playwriting, Alice Childress, love, connection, vision
Takeaways:
LaChanze is the president of Black Theater United, a creative collective aimed at raising awareness and promoting inclusivity in Broadway for black performers and artists.She is committed to increasing and diversifying audiences in the theater, and she believes that representation is crucial in both on-stage and off-stage roles.LaChanze is passionate about bringing the work of overlooked artists, such as Alice Childress, to the forefront and giving young artists the opportunity to have their voices heard.She has launched her own production company, LaChanze Productions, to have more control over the creative process and to support and develop new talent.LaChanze emphasizes the importance of love, connection, and vision in personal and professional life, and she encourages young artists to pursue their passions and be the change they want to see.Sound Bites:
"I'm an advocate for black rights and black representation.""Being a woman of a certain age, being a black woman in my midlife who has had this experience, it does come with wisdom.""I needed to launch LaChanze Productions because I needed more control."Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to In the Podlight and Guest LaChanze
06:05 - Discovering the Need for Diversity and Inclusion in the Entertainment Industry
13:05 - The New Deal: Reforming the Industry for Equity and Inclusion
17:26 - Navigating Microaggressions and Ageism in the Entertainment Industry
21:29 - LaChanze Productions: Empowering Underrepresented Artists
27:21 - The Legacy of Alice Childress: Bringing Overlooked Artists to the Forefront
32:05 - Taking Control: Launching LaChanze Productions
37:42 - The Importance of Love and Resilience in LaChanze's Life
41:57 - Closing Remarks and Lightning Round
Connect with Caroline on Instagram
Connect with Grant on Instagram
Connect with In The Podlight on the Website
The Team:
Caroline Liem – Producer & Host
Grant Kretchick – Producer & Host
Cris Graves - Producer & Editor
David Margolin Lawson - Composer
Emily Yaneth Perez – Administration
In the Podlight is produced in collaboration with Pace University – Sands
The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed by the guests, hosts, and producers of this podcasts do not necessarily reflect those of Pace University. -
Rebecca Damon, executive vice president and New York Local 1 president of SAG-AFTRA, discusses the SAG-AFTRA merger, the importance of sister unions, the impact of artificial intelligence on the entertainment industry, and the need for actors to stay informed, get involved, and take control of their careers.
Read more about Rebecca here.
Keywords: Rebecca Damon, SAG-AFTRA, labor rights, sister unions, artificial intelligence, entertainment industry, actors, acting, actor life, career, Broadway, inclusivity, diversity, representation
Takeaways:
The SAG-AFTRA merger was a multi-year process that aimed to unite two unions representing actors and artists for the same work.The power of unions working together is crucial in achieving success and prosperity for their members.Artificial intelligence (AI) has a significant impact on the entertainment industry, and it is important to establish guardrails and protections for performers.Non-union actors should be cautious about signing contracts that may have conflicts or perpetuity clauses, and they should stay informed about industry developments and resources.Taking a leap and getting involved in union activities can be rewarding and empowering for actors.Sound Bites:
"The successful efforts in merging SAG and AFTRA back in 2012 were huge.""The unions and the industry worked closely together during the pandemic to ensure a safe return to work.""AI's impact on creative industries is a larger existential issue for everyone."Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and Background of Rebecca Damon
07:12 - The SAG-AFTRA Merger
12:01 - The Power of Sister Unions
17:42 - The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Performers
27:40 - Advice for Pre-Union Actors
Connect with Caroline on Instagram
Connect with Grant on Instagram
Connect with In The Podlight on the Website
The Team:
Caroline Liem – Producer & Host
Grant Kretchick – Producer & Host
Cris Graves - Producer & Editor
David Margolin Lawson - Composer
Emily Yaneth Perez – Administration
In the Podlight is produced in collaboration with Pace University – Sands
The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed by the guests, hosts, and producers of this podcasts do not necessarily reflect those of Pace University. -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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Welcome to In the Podlight, the podcast where we shine a spotlight on creatives from all walks of life. In this teaser episode, hosts Caroline Liem and Grant Kretchik introduce the show’s mission: to celebrate and explore the diverse experiences and identities within the creative industry.
This season, we're diving into thought-provoking discussions with a range of guests who share their unique insights and experiences in the post-pandemic entertainment world. Some of the guests you’ll hear from:
Rebecca Damon:on the critical need for strong AI regulations to protect human creativity and the importance of prioritizing humanity in our evolving digital landscape.Greg Geffrard on the emotional impact of the pandemic and why many people struggled to return to the places where they once found joy.Victor Vazquez on how the decisions made in casting rooms are in constant conversation with the broader political and cultural landscape.Michelle Sugihara on the progress in nuanced conversations around identity, from race and gender to the intersections of LGBTQIA+ experiences.Join us as we illuminate the paths these creatives are forging, navigating both the challenges and opportunities that define the post-pandemic entertainment industry.
Stay Tuned: Get ready for an inspiring season full of in-depth conversations, personal stories, and a celebration of creativity in all its forms.
00:00 – Welcome to In the Podlight
00:09 – Rebecca Damon on AI Regulations and Human Creativity
00:29 – Greg Geffrard on Post-Pandemic Joy and Challenges
00:44 – Victor Vazquez on Cultural Impact of Casting Choices
00:57 – Michelle Sugihara on Progress and Nuance in Representation
01:22 - Closing Remarks
Connect with Caroline on Instagram
Connect with Grant on Instagram
Connect with In The Podlight on the Website
The Team:
Caroline Liem – Producer & Host
Grant Kretchick – Producer & Host
Cris Graves - Producer & Editor
David Margolin Lawson - Composer
Emily Yaneth Perez – Administration
In the Podlight is produced in collaboration with Pace University – Sands
The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed by the guests, hosts, and producers of this podcasts do not necessarily reflect those of Pace University.
