Hello from the Studio Players DEI Committee!
We have seen a great deal of growth in the area of DEI at Studio this year, and we are so excited to share our successes as we continue to grow and evolve as a company.
First and foremost, we want to welcome our new DEI co-chair, Idris Talbott, to the board. Idris is assuming the role as former co-chair E. Dale Smith-Gallo shifts into the role of board president at Studio, and we are so excited to have Idris join us in this capacity. Idris first came to Studio when he performed in our production of Sweat (2023), and he then assumed the role of producer for our production of Charles III later that year. Moving into this role enables him to partner with original co-chair, Elizabeth Quinones, on even broader initiatives aimed at making Studio a welcoming and accommodating place for all artists.
We are also proud to announce that A.J. Wolf has joined our board on the marketing team. A.J. first came to Studio when he performed in Clue (2022), Peter and the Starcatcher and Charles III (2023), and this past spring he directed War of the Worlds: The Radio Broadcast. As a neuro-diverse actor and himself, he brings knowledge and experience about accommodation to our board, and we are happy to have him join the DEI Committee moving forward. Likewise, we welcome our new Artistic Producer, Leticia Diaz, who joins the board after appearing in, assisting with, and producing several shows at Studio including Greater Tuna (2021) and Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play (2022). We understand that diversity must be seen at all levels of an organization, and we are working to better represent all voices throughout our organization.
On stage we have continued to see an incredible growth in representation culminating this spring with our cast of Birthday Candles (which showcased a cast of 67% BIPOC performers) and our cast of Rent (which was cast with the traditional, broadly-diverse casting.) We are also seeing broader involvement from BIPOC directors in our coming season, so be sure to check it all out!
This month (August, 2024) we will be hosting friend of the theatre Alicia Whavers as she presents a reading of her new play, Hey! I Heard You Were Black, as a fundraiser for the Montclair NAACP, and we are proud to continue our supporting partnership with Maxine Lyle as she continues to develop her original musical, Step Show, exploring the traditions of Step on HBCU campuses.
Finally, in our continued efforts to better connect with communities outside of our theatre walls, we were represented at both the 2024 AAPI Lantern Lighting festival and Out Montclair’s Pride Celebration, and we are looking into representation at next year’s Montclair Jazz Celebration as well.
We are so proud of what we have accomplished, but we know that true diversity is a journey– not a destination. We continue to explore new ways to accommodate and include all theatre lovers. If you have any questions about our programming or available accommodations, please do not hesitate to reach out!
We will see you at the theatre.