A powerful moment from Steppenwolf’s production of POTUS, written by Selina Fillinger and directed by Audrey Francis. (Photo by Michael Brosilow)
As our annual season preview issue is going to press, we are in a time of tremendous change in our country, in our theatres, and at TCG. Kelundra Smith has been named director of publications, with advertising, American Theatre, ARTSEARCH, and TCG Books under her purview. We promoted Jerald Raymond Pierce to managing editor and Gabriela Furtado Coutinho to digital editor of American Theatre. In addition, we’ve been in our new co-executive director positions only a short time, and the search is well underway for a third co-ED. Our co-leadership structure signals a new path forward, not only for TCG but for many theatre organizations across the country; even those that were not originally founded as ensembles or collectives are reimagining how a multiple leadership ethos and diverse vantage points can complement each other. We are eager to grow in these roles, as we believe shared leadership enables us to employ our collective imagination in better ways to serve you all.
For example, the current issue of American Theatre highlights the artists, volunteers, administrators, and technicians who work backstage. For “Tales from Behind the Scenes,” Boutayna Chokrane highlights important individuals around the country who guide our rehearsal rooms and play an integral role in transporting the audience to theatrical worlds. As Angie Ahlgren writes in “How Do You Manage?”, the work isn’t always easy, especially when navigating the mental health toll, increased production costs, and reduced budgets for which backstage workers are on the front lines. We want you to know that at TCG, we are in the trenches with you to make the case to funders and legislators for the necessity of theatre and the performing arts in our communities.
This is especially important as we look toward the presidential election on Nov. 5. If your theatre community doesn’t already have a get-out-the-vote plan, make one, because an engaged electorate is essential for a just and thriving theatre ecology. Gabriela Furtado Coutinho explores the importance of an engaged electorate in her interviews with the playwrights of The Cuban Vote and The Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latine Vote, both popping up across the country. This concern for our nation’s direction—and a deep desire for joy—is also reflected on the annual Top 10 Most-Produced Plays list, where Heidi Schreck’s What the Constitution Means to Me and Selina Fillinger’s POTUS both have claimed spots. In addition, TCG Books has just published Shaina Taub’s Suffs, now on Broadway, underscoring the role of women in this particular election.
That said, no matter the election results, the future of the American theatre will be shaped by the ways we show up for each other. Our communities have already deemed us essential—just look at the ways we have seen audiences and donors step up to support theatres in crisis over the last few years. We wish each company and all its players a bountiful theatrical year as you continue in this craft that we love, which unites us with the communities and cities we serve. To each audience member: We thank you for continuing to support theatre companies nationwide and embarking on this journey with us!
