In the Podlight: LaChanze - Inclusion Behind the Scenes on Broadway

Summary: In this conversation, Tony Award-winning Broadway actress and producer LaChanze discusses her work as the president of Black Theater United and her mission to create a more inclusive and diverse Broadway. She shares her journey as an actress and producer, the importance of representation in the industry, and her commitment to bringing the work of overlooked artists, such as Alice Childress, to the forefront. LaChanze also talks about her production company and her passion for increasing and diversifying audiences in the theater. 

Takeaways:

• LaChanze is the president of Black Theater United, a creative collective aimed at raising awareness and promoting inclusivity in Broadway for black performers and artists.
• She is committed to increasing and diversifying audiences in the theater, and believes that representation is crucial in both on and off-stage roles.
• LaChanze is passionate about bringing the work of overlooked artists, such as Alice Childress, to the forefront and giving young artists the opportunity to have their voices heard.
• She has launched her own production company, LaChanze Productions, to have more control over the creative process and to support and develop new talent.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to In the Podlight and Guest LaChanze
06:05 - Discovering the Need for Diversity and Inclusion in the Entertainment Industry
13:05 - The New Deal: Reforming the Industry for Equity and Inclusion
17:26 - Navigating Microaggressions and Ageism in the Entertainment Industry
21:29 - LaChanze Productions: Empowering Underrepresented Artists
27:21 - The Legacy of Alice Childress: Bringing Overlooked Artists to the Forefront
32:05 - Taking Control: Launching LaChanze Productions
37:42 - The Importance of Love and Resilience in LaChanze's Life
41:57 - Closing Remarks and Lightning Round

Connect with LaChanze on Instagram/Threads & X
Connect with Caroline on Instagram
Connect with Grant on Instagram
Connect with In The Podlight on the Website

Check out & join Black Theatre United on their website
Check out The Outsiders on Broadway – tickets available through their website
Check out Kimberly Akimbo on tour – tickets available through their website

 The Team:
Caroline Liem – Producer & Host
Grant Kretchick – Producer & Host
Cris Graves  - Producer & Editor
David Margolin Lawson  - Composer
Emily Yaneth Perez – Administration
The Lee Agency - Press Agent
Brandon Mills - Cover Art Photo Credit 

In the Podlight is produced in collaboration with Pace University – Sands
The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed by the guests, hosts, and producers of this podcasts do not necessarily reflect those of Pace University.

Since 1906, Pace University has been transforming the lives of its diverse students—academically, professionally, and socioeconomically. With campuses in New York City and Westchester County, New York, Pace offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs to 13,600 students in its College of Health Professions, Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, Elisabeth Haub School of Law, Lubin School of Business, School of Education, Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems and, most recently, the Sands Colleg