2013 TCG Conference - Lead the Charge

Last year, I left the TCG Conference feeling empowered, rejuvenated and inspired. I wanted to be an agent of change and a resource to my community. With my blog, I created a platform to call attention to the need for gender and racial parity in the American Theatre, and to champion the work of local theatre artists. More folks than I ever imagined possible participated in a wide range of blog series and features. I'm so appreciative of them for sharing their experiences, challenges and hopes for the future.

This year's conference ended three days ago. It was five rigorous, powerful, challenging and uplifting days. I had more roles this year: Young Leader of Color, Online Conference Curator for the Diversity and Inclusion Arc and a Texas raised, D.C. based woman playwright of color, who had just opened a play. This, all of this wonder, joy and responsibility, had me working on all cylinders.

On the other side of it all, I feel charged, ready and awake. I feel disrupted. I want to write. I want to take great risk.  I want to create even more space for others. I have a deeper understanding of the infrastructure working against change in the American Theatre. This is at once frightening, sad and enlightening, but it also opens up room for empathy. And it is here, in this place of deep reflection and compassion, that change can happen.

I love the theatre. There is a place for me here. There is a place for you here. The work we do is essential to the health, growth and vitality of ever-growing, ever-changing society. We create experiences that inform, entertain, document, hold accountable and  sustain hope.  We are community builders. We have the potential to ignite a revolution.  With such potential for greatness, why not lead the change!

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