Disney’s Women of Broadway initiative, the force behind the annual Women’s Day on Broadway event, has launched a new Spotlight Series of smaller events throughout the calendar year.
These smaller events will hone in on a single topic (Women's Day is a half-day event highlighting broad industry trends) and tailored to a smaller group.
First up is “Parenthood in Theatre” on May 7 at the New Amsterdam Theatre. Presented by Disney, the event caters to union members and industry decision makers to discuss the challenges for working theatre parents. Founder of Parent Artist Advocacy League Rachel Spencer Hewitt will moderate the discussion. Panelists include Emily Simoness from Family Residency at SPACE at Ryder Farm, Kate O’Phalen from AEA Parents’ Council, Special FX designer Jeremy Chernick, and stage manager Jimmie Lee Smith.
On May 20, the Spotlight Series will feature a panel on “Women in Theatre Journalism,” co-presented by Disney and The Shubert Organization. The panel will feature Vulture’s Sara Holdren, author and The New Yorker writer Elisabeth Vincentelli, The New York Times’ Laura Collins-Hughes, Playbill’s Ruthie Fierberg, The Undefeated’s Soraya Nadia McDonald. Moderated by Diep Tran, Senior Editor of American Theatre Magazine, the panel will address trends in theatre criticism, what stories are told and how, and improvements to be made in the field.
Reservations for both panels are open to the public beginning April 24. Click here for information and reservations. Events are free, but an RSVP is required.
