Inclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts Spaces
Inclusive STAGES™ is the podcast for theater makers, creatives, and arts leaders who believe we can build a better industry—one brave, emotionally intelligent, and trauma-informed space at a time. Hosted by Kira Troilo, founder of Art & Soul Consulting, each episode explores what it really takes to create inclusive, healthy creative environments in today’s rapidly changing performing arts landscape. Whether you're a theater artist, an arts administrator, an educator, a creative leader, or a producer, this show will help you answer big questions like: What is inclusive leadership in the arts, and how do I practice it? How can performing arts organizations promote diversity and inclusion? What does “representation matters” mean in theater and beyond? How can venues make performances more accessible? What tools do I need to lead with care—and still make bold, brilliant work? Through honest conversations, industry insights, and practical tools, Inclusive STAGES™ empowers you to reduce burnout, dismantle harmful norms, and build the kinds of creative spaces where everyone can thrive. New episodes every week. Follow now and join the movement toward healthier, more sustainable arts spaces.
Episodes
I’m so excited to have the opportunity to bring you this conversation with the incredible writing team behind "Finn" - Chris Nee, Chris Dimond, and Michael Kooman - for an inspiring discussion about artistic resistance in the face of political censorship.
When their critically acclaimed children's musical about a shark who discovers he might be a fish was abruptly canceled at the Kennedy Cent...
In this special episode of Inclusive Stages, host Kira Troilo steps into the guest seat for a candid conversation about the evolving landscape of DEI consulting in theater. Interviewed by her husband Jared, Kira unveils her unique approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion work that builds bridges instead of barriers. As a DEI consultant challenging traditional training methods, she shares powerful insigh...
Welcome to the Season 2 finale of the Inclusive Stages podcast! 2024 has been a wild ride—it feels like I just started the podcast and it’s surreal to already have two seasons under my belt. Today, I’m going to share my lessons and reflections from 2024 as well as plans for 2025.
But before we get into it, I want to share my gratitude—for the people who’ve trusted me, who’ve listened to me and the guests th...
We’re doing things a little differently. My son Levi Troilo joins me today for a very special episode of the Inclusive Stages podcast!
Levi and I love listening to podcasts where parents and children are reading books. We thought it would be fun to read a story and talk about a topic that applies to all kids and adults—the zones of regulation. The zones are especially helpful for improving communication and ...
In theater and in the arts world, self advocacy can feel almost impossible, especially for artists who so often feel they’re replaceable. In a lot of ways, that assumption is true and something we as an industry need to work on changing. Being able to advocate for yourself helps lay the groundwork for inclusion.
Waiting to advocate for yourself can lead to a lot more stress, tension, and negative things tha...
EDI (or DEIB) work truly is for all of us! And given how much heat the industry has received recently—it could use a bit of a rebrand. Because representation in storytelling has the power to help us solve big problems in the world! If we let it…
With a journey that’s taken her to Harvard, Walt Disney, Google, and even the TEDx stage—Julie Ann Crommett knows just how big of a ripple effect inclusive storytell...
Welcome to a very special episode of the Inclusive Stages podcast. A conversation centered around defining inclusion, creating a shared vision for this work, and establishing a brave space for difficult conversations. Because we can only become stronger and more connected people, organizations, and artists when we learn how to engage in hard conversations.
I'm joined by two of my favorite collaborators...
As a music director, Dan Rodriguez knows how critical inclusion is in theater and the arts. It’s critical in often unseen places like the pit, where you’ll find musicians, vocal performers, and the music director. Music directors tend to be with production processes the longest, which means they understand and have a unique position of influence within a show. In this conversation, we discuss Dan’s journey ...
Brave spaces, I hope you'll agree, aren't a luxury in the arts. They’re a necessity for theater lovers and professionals. Without them, we can't push the boundaries of art and storytelling in a way that's healthy and sustainable. And isn't that what we're all here to do? Create art and theater that's daring and meaningful and makes a difference. There's a lot of wisdo...
There’s a business case to be made for theater companies and arts organizations. We need to fill the seats with more dedicated theater lovers and friends. To do that, it’s important to be inclusive of the community we serve, think outside the box, and consider how we can welcome new audience members in a thoughtful, sustainable way. Aubrey Bergauer joins me for this conversation, where she shares more about...
Being a theater costume designer is about so much more than creating an outfit someone will wear for a performance. It’s about seeing that person, collaborating with them, and empowering them to bring this character to life night after night! Raquel Adorno began as a stage performer and, over time, transitioned into her most impactful role—theater costume designer. She shares about her entire journey—includ...
There are so many other talented, dedicated, and caring folks out here supporting everyone who brings a production to life. And this conversation is actually the very first time I met Alexa Smith! She’s had a very similar journey to me with acting, motherhood, and EDI consulting. Alexa shares about her early acting career, what led her to become a consultant, and (possibly my favorite topic) how she’s navig...
I'm making good on a promise from my last solo episode—I’m talking about one of the most important and underrated skills that is missing from the theater industry. We haven't been educated about it, and yet it’s at the heart of all our creative work. Have you guessed what it is yet? When I say the word, it typically elicits groans—so get ready to groan. It's feedback and feedback resilience. ...
It’s hard to know how much of yourself to bring to a character as an actor. There’s also the question of which roles to even audition for? It can be absolutely exhausting trying to figure out which boxes to put yourself in and what to do with your talents in this industry. Which is why I’m grateful Jennifer Apple is here with me for this conversation! She shares how actors can take back their agency, why it...
Politics is a part of not only the musical “Hamilton” but also the theater industry itself. From theater governance to policies that affect parents to actor taxation, there’s a whole section of theater that you may not be aware of—yet! If we hope to see change, we must take action. And that’s one major theme of this episode with Jared Dixon. Jared joins me for an incredible conversation! He shares about lif...
One easy way to show that you value black actors and members of your production team is to have thought things through ahead of time. Another is to ask for and actually act on feedback. There is so much I want to share on this topic, so what better way than to record a podcast and share that with you? Today’s solo episode—and season 2 opener for the Inclusive Stages Podcast—is centered around my top 5 point...
At work, Jared and I try to stay as far apart as possible because he’s the actor and I’m the EDI consultant. This is Jared, as in Troilo—my husband and father to our son, Levi! This conversation is a huge treat for us! Join us as we discuss Jared’s 20+ year acting career, parenting in the theater industry, relationship building, the importance of curiosity, and the behind-the-scenes of starting my company a...
There are many conversations happening about mental health and the arts—but not much is being done about it. Art is a powerful medium for change, yet education is being minimized and artists aren’t being handled with care. Which is why it fills me with such joy to introduce you to these two incredible powerhouses who are in fact doing this work alongside me! Please meet Zena Collins and Dr. Charmain Jackman...
Today, I want to talk about something I’ve wanted to share for a while—why I decided to retire from acting. On this podcast, I ask other actors and artists to come on and be vulnerable. I invite them to share their stories and dig deep with me. So it’s only fair that I do that myself. In this episode, I’m sharing my experiences as a commercial and theater actor—as a mom and an actress—and what ultimately le...
When discussing inclusion in musical theater and the arts, body diversity must be a part of that conversation. Actors come in all shapes and sizes—with all of the lived experiences that go along with their bodies. The audition process can be a source of trauma—or inspiration! The performances themselves can be hurtful—or empowering! My guest today, Katy Geraghty, is a New York-based actor, performer, and te...
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