Jesse Green surveys the unpaid and underpaid work that has always been part of making theater in the US, especially early in a career — and the likelihood that instituting fair pay practices could mean that the field contracts, with fewer jobs and fewer shows. - The New York Times
This round of upheaval, sparked by the unexplained placing of the artistic director "on leave," has seen the last candidate for executive director withdraw, the acting managing director and resident playwrights and stage directors resign, and remaining staff criticize the board on the company's Facebook page. - MSN (Chicago Tribune)
"Hundreds of artists, performers, venues and promoters say it is becoming 'increasingly difficult' to justify the expense of taking part in the event, which will mark its 75th anniversary next month. More than 1,500 of them have called for 'immediate, meaningful action' to address a host of concerns." - The Scotsman
"A raft of productions from Black theatre-makers have been making waves, garnering critical acclaim and exciting audiences. Black writers and directors are relishing telling the stories that they want to tell and are undeterred in getting them on stage. ... This moment has been a long time coming." - The Guardian
When some local comedians realized that one basement comedy club is a designated bomb shelter, they started a regular show there. They call it Cultural Defense, and its popularity has surprised everyone. (It's not like American standup, though — more like a panel discussion with wisecracks.) - The New York Times
"In all, 13 members of the Mariupol troupe survived the weeks of bombardment of their city. ... In recent weeks, the group has reconvened in the western Ukrainian city of Uzhhorod — where they live together in a dormitory — to rehearse (a) new play." - The New York Times
Ben Glover is a creative captioner, integrating captions for the hearing-impaired into set and lighting design. Nadine Beasley provides live audio description for the visually impaired and even leads advance touch tours of the set and costumes. Shona Louise consults on everything from wheelchair access to website design. - The Guardian
"For some, the drop has been small, but for most, the average decline is about 50 percent of 2019 sales. Local theater leaders say they're not certain why sales have fallen," citing several possible factors. - The San Diego Union-Tribune
"Thanks to steady work since 1990 to maximize the play's ecumenicism via ever bolder changes in characterizations and design" — in particular, altering anti-Semitic elements in the script — "the 2022 edition warrants a higher term of approbation than 'revival.' I'd go so far as to call it a 'resurrection'." - American Theatre
Away from theatre, the retail sector regularly uses smell to help drive sales (though they give it a nicer name – scent), in a similar way to how they use background music or directed lighting. - The Stage
Most of those workers haven't gotten a raise since before the arrival of the pandemic, which gave them lots of extra work and potential exposure to the virus. The new contract gives raises, a lump-sum payment, increased pension contributions, and 100% paid healthcare. - Gothamist
"Performer Christina Hall reminded the crowd that all three of the justices appointed by former President Trump had promised at their confirmation hearings that they would not overturn precedents set by previous courts. 'And then they did!' Hall shouted. 'Liars!' replied an audience member." - Los Angeles Times
And what 1776 looks like now. "In the aftermath of the striking down of Roe v. Wade, I was forced to rethink. Were the words that the cast spoke and sung hollower than they’d been 2½ weeks ago?" - Washington Post
"Does Molière, the 17th-century comedy master and doyen of French playwrights, really still have the power to surprise? As France celebrates the 400th anniversary of his birth, a flurry of new productions suggests that he can." - The New York Times
