The Network for Representation, Inclusion and Support of Theater Employment (RISE) will publish a directory of non-acting professionals in the theater to make it easier for them to obtain employment, from stagehands to producers and managing directors.
“Since 2020 there has been a lot of talk about diversity and change,” Miranda told The Associated Press. The directory appears “in a really wonderful time in which the theater, as a system, has learned to say the right thing.”
“You have to support that,” he said.
According to a 2021 report from the Coalition of Asian American Performers, which studied Broadway’s 2018-2019 season, 100% of managing directors and 94% of producers were white. White actors played 80% of the leading roles in musicals and 90% in dramas.
Steps have since been taken to encourage diversity in theatre, most notably with a 2021 deal brokered by Teatro Negro Unido and Broadway shows and its traveling productions.
With RISE, Miranda wants to make it easier for productions looking for non-acting employees to find diverse applicants.
“The goal of “RISE is to make sure that that beautiful mosaic of people you see—if you see a production of ‘Hamilton,’ or a production of ‘MJ (The Musical)’ or ‘Fat Ham’ on Broadway—is reflected behind the scenes as well. , which is not just the people in the spotlight,” Miranda said. “Because there are incredibly talented theater students and carpenters and makeup artists and wardrobe people who deserve that opportunity.”
FOUNTAIN: Associated Press
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