Please note: You can register for this session using the following link: https://umich.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NZkYxdP-QzOmgIc-W_jC_AIf you have added this session to you schedule, you will be approved to enter the session. We recommend registering at least 5 minutes before the start of the session.Dancing through Civil Justice Issues (Davis) - This lightning talk will discuss my personal experiences as an African American dance major at The University of Alabama. I will recount the discussions surrounding recruiting more dancers of color to our Dance Department. I will also discuss my thoughts on how we can add more works that address civil justice issues and how we can work to cultivate a positive environment for people of color in the dance department for years to come. This discussion will also address my faults in staying silent.
Why Representation Is Not Enough (Cuyubamba Kong) will explain why the idea of diversity in recruitment is not the solution we need. Without deeply examining the institutional structure on all levels - from a classroom to a school to the university as large - we cannot guarantee safe spaces for BIPOC students, faculty, or administration. This talk will explain Why Representation Is Not Enough, and what changes are necessary for a better, safer learning environment like those promised by our institutions.
Educational Institutions as Leaders for Change in Theatre Arts (Martinez) - An issue university theatre programs will claim to have is a lack of BIPOC students auditioning, but what is far more important is retaining the students they get. There can be feelings of otherness that keep BIPOC students from staying for two reasons: we are either tokenized, or go completely unnoticed because we don’t fit into a certain “box.” These institutions must see their students not just for their "diversity," but for what they bring as artists. We are the future producers, directors, and actors that will be making the decisions for the future of the theatre community. Our program faculty must be the ones to lead the change by pledging to take specific, anti-racist actions that will grow into long-lasting, sustainable change that will move our community forward.
