Elizabeth Sanchez Quinoñes
May 15, 1987 – April 14, 2025
Elizabeth Sanchez Quinoñes was a vibrant actress and visionary of equality who founded The Studio Players Diversity & Inclusion Committee in 2020. Through a series of honest, thoughtful conversations with BIPOC, neuro-diverse, blind, and deaf theatre artists, she built bridges within our community that have changed the face of our creators, our leadership, and our audiences. We rename this committee in her honor as a sign of our appreciation for her extraordinary work and our commitment to continuing it.
Idris Talbot – Chair
Idris Talbot is a seasoned stage actor having appeared in productions at Studio Players, Chatham Playhouse, The Barn, InterACT and other companies. Appearing in notable roles in Sweat, Superior Donuts, Lobby Hero, This is Our Story, and more.
Idris has built a strong local presence, contributing to community theater with performances, insight, and information that engage the community.
In Loving Memory of Elizabeth Sanchez Quiñones
After first joining Studio Players as a costume manager for our 2016 production of Stage Kiss, Elizabeth Sanchez Quiñones quickly blossomed into one of our finest actors and most dedicated leaders– gracing our stage in numerous productions including Vanya, Sonia, Masha & Spike; Jake’s Women; A Seusified Christmas Carol; and Almost Maine. However it was…
Studio Players Reaffirms Our Commitment to DEI
Despite recent challenges to DEI efforts at the federal level, Studio Players remains unwavering in our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Since embarking on this journey in 2020, we have experienced unprecedented growth, welcoming artists from all backgrounds onto our stage, behind the scenes, and within our leadership. We have witnessed firsthand the transformative…
DEI Update: Summer 2024
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…
Happy 2023 from the Studio Players Diversity & Inclusion team!
We are so excited to report how the efforts of our committee continue to take root in our organization, and the exciting growth that we have experienced in this area as we continue to emerge from the pandemic. Last spring co-chairs Elizabeth Quinones and E. Dale Smith-Gallo represented our theatre at the inaugural AAPI Lantern Lighting…
Diversity and Inclusion Update Fall/Winter 2021 – 2022
Audition Response and Casting As we have begun to move back into live, in-person performances, we have seen a significant uptick in the number of BIPOC actors (and a self-identified neuro-diverse actor) at our auditions. The Diversity and Inclusion Committee thrilled to announce that a full third of each of our first two casts have been…
Diversity & Inclusion Committee Fall and Winter 2020-2021 Update
The Diversity & Inclusion Committee has continued to work through the Fall and Winter as we strive to create a more welcoming and inclusive Studio Playhouse for all of the communities in Montclair and the surrounding areas. Our diverse, 11-Member team continues to hold discussions with members of other arts organizations and look for ways to…