July NewZ 2021 – What Happened in ShowbiZ This Month

ShowbiZ Shares NewZ, Articles, Blog Posts and Videos for Canadian Performers

(aka NewZ for Actors, Singers and Dancers on Stage and Screen)

What happened in 2021 July NewZ????

Keep reading for the full roundup of what happened in July NewZ!

With Gift from David Geffen, Yale’s Drama School Goes Tuition-Free

In one large step towards accessibility and inclusivity (thanks to a generous, GENEROUS gift from David Geffen), Yale Drama School is now tuition-free.

Check out the article: With Gift from David Geffen, Yale’s Drama School Goes Tuition-Free

TRC Reading Challenge

Theatre Passe Muraille has joined the Truth & Reconciliation Commission Report Reading Challenge, and will be holding group readings over Zoom every Wednesday from 9:30-10:30am (Eastern Time).

You are welcome to listen, read, and take part in a discussion as well.

For anyone who may be unfamiliar with the TRC, it is a document which details the impacts of the residential “school” system in Canada, along with 94 calls to action regarding reconciliation.

Check out: Theatre Passe Muraille’s Truth & Reconciliation Commission Report Reading

Follow Theatre Passe Muraille: @beyondwallstpm

You can also read: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report

An Actor’s Story: Living with Mental Illness

Poor mental health is one of the most prolific side effects of working (and not working) as an actor.

Not only is it a stressful profession to be a part of, but actors are also encouraged to constantly tackle some of their most fraught inner demons, and must re-live traumatic and stressful experiences on a daily basis.

Read the article: An Actor’s Story: Living with Mental Illness

The Problem With “Diversity” in Arts & Culture Nonprofit

In this article, Naomi Gracechild discusses the racism she experienced during her time in the BC nonprofit arts scene.

You heard it here, folks: saying we’ll try to do better, and then putting someone non-white on a poster is not the answer. We need to actually DO. BETTER.

NewZ Article: The Problem with “Diversity” in Arts & Culture Nonprofit

Community Theatres Need to Stop Protecting Their Problematic Men

I get it…it’s hard to find male actors at the best of times – let alone ones who are also available to work for free. BUT, this doesn’t mean we should coddle them to the point of letting them get away with anything.

Theatre is vulnerable enough, and no actor should ever feel legitimately unsafe.

Check out the article: Community Theatres Need to Stop Protecting Their Problematic Men

“Being a Ballerina: The Power and Perfection of a Dancing Life” Gives a Vivid Portrayal of the Working Dancer

Want to know more about the quiet power of being an “everyday” working ballerina? Not every dancer becomes a Karen Kain, but it doesn’t mean their life and career is any less fulfilling.

Dance is a very special profession, and every day can certainly range from painful hard work to magical…no matter where your stage and studio are.

Read: “Being a Ballerina: The Power and Perfection of a Dancing Life” Gives a Vivid Portrayal of the Working Dancer

GLOSSARY OF ABLEIST PHRASES

Language is important, and so many phrases can easily slip into one’s vocabulary…sometimes even with the best of intentions.

This is a fabulous article that will help you brush up on some vocabulary best practices and awesome alternatives.

Check it out here: Glossary of Ableist Phrases

Radiolab: The Vanishing of Harry Pace

Radiolab is a podcast that covers a wide range of topics, but their most recent releases have been a series about Harry Pace and some key aspects of his legacy.

It is a fascinating listen, and it chronicles some iconic moments in the history of black American music and Black Swan Records.

Listen to: Radiolab: The Vanishing of Harry Pace

When Thin Actors Play Fat Characters

In case you haven’t run out of free member’s-only articles on Medium this month, make this one of the few on your list.

If you have run out, save it for next month.

This article is a heartfelt plea regarding the role of fatness in the stories we tell.

Check out: When Thin Actors Play Fat Characters

Why Queer Actors Should Play Queer Characters

For anyone who needs the explanation – here it is.

Check out the NewZ article: Why Queer Actors Should Play Queer Character

How Hollywood has Failed Trans Actors

Why is it that “they’re an actor, they can play any role” seems to only be a one-way street?

Take a gander at this piece about Hollywood’s treatment of trans actors.

Check out: How Hollywood has Failed Trans Actors

I’m a Black Womxn and I Can’t Play Here

The theatre world has had a longstanding tradition of attracting otherness while simultaneously excluding it and tokenizing it

…instead of empowering and championing it.

Check out: I’m a Black Womxn and I Can’t Play Here

Too Fat to Be Loved:” The Dark Truth of Fatphobia in Youth Theatre

Have you ever noticed that in theatre, (and in film, for that matter), only skinny people play the love interest?

Maybe this isn’t a great lesson to teach kids…

NewZ Article: Too Fat to Be Loved:” The Dark Truth of Fatphobia in Youth Theatre

Settlers and Indians

Despite many theatrical companies pledging to “do better” and become leaders in the fight against systemic racism, there is still a massive imbalance of power at the top of the food chain.

Check out the article: Settlers and Indians

“You Can’t do Revolution on Your Own”: Lara Parmiani on the Migrant Woman Experience in British Theatre

From stereotypes to systemic barriers, migrant women have particularly unique challenges in theatre.

For some insight on the experience, check out the following article.

Read it here: “You Can’t do Revolution on Your Own”: Lara Parmiani on the Migrant Woman Experience in British Theatre

The Treacherous Path to Sobriety in American Theatre

Alcoholism and theatre often seem to go hand in hand.

While the path to sobriety is difficult in this profession, seeing that you’re not alone can often be a helpful step forward.