Editorial: Communing with the Ancestors

Abstract

In this editorial, the editor reflects on the current political climate in the US and its impact on theatre education. The editor then introduces this issue, in which our diverse contributors have reflected on their practices with a range of age groups from different communities. Gillian McNally and Amanda Rutter ask: can theatre for the very young (TVY) dare to talk about prejudice and inclusion? In this first-ever U.S. study on TVY, the authors interrogate the impact a TVY play can have on children’s understanding of prejudice and inclusion. As members of the education staff at About Face Youth Ensemble, Lisa Siciliano and Mikael Burke reflect on how they negotiated the theatre company's growing commitment to youth mental health, traditional ""in-the-room"" devising practices, and the utilization of online technology. Alex Ates, director of theater at a boarding school in Pennsylvania, co-authors an article with his former students: David Feng, Sam Hu, and Emily Zhang. These recently-graduated Chinese-International high school students and their American theater teacher engage in reflective analysis on their digital verbatim performances of American presidential politicians. Finally, speaking to the necessary evolution of systems and practices in educational theatre, university researchers Matt Omasta and Aubrey Felty respond to the urgent need for Theatres for Young Audiences companies to produce plays that share the stories and experiences of people of color and to ensure works by playwrights of color are produced regularly (in some ways, broadening the question posed by McNally and Rutter). This article draws on data from a comprehensive survey of artistic, business, and education leaders in the field to consider how it might inform the important discussions taking place in the field regarding equity and inclusion, especially those exploring race and anti-racism. An appendix follows the article, featuring Omasta and Felty’s complete report from their survey of every professional Theatre for Young Audiences company affiliated with TYA/USA who shared information regarding a wide range of topics including season selection, finances, education programming, staff demographics, leader perceptions of quality TYA, and others.