KCACTF Region 1 Festival 50

Whether we view art as a mirror to reflect society or as a hammer to shape it, it's no secret that the faces and bodies we see on our stages and screens don't reflect what we see on America's streets. In this interactive workshop led by a representative from one of the country's leading advocates for artists of color and performers with disabilities, we'll discuss the value of increased diversity in theatre training programs, as well as practical tools to help prepare students for what to expect after graduation. We'll tackle essential questions, including: What is diversity and why is it important? Is there a difference between non-traditional and inclusive casting? Whose stories are being told and by whom? We'll share strategies and best practices for how to expand the culture of our professional training programs, encouraging diverse perspectives and nurturing diverse artists committed to telling stories that reflect our changing world.