On Broadway, Black artists push for racial equity
Jeffrey Brown:
It's focused on the larger society. The coalition is partnering with groups like Fair Count and Fair Fight to promote greater voter participation and protect voting rights.
The theater itself is the other focus. Among other projects, the group wants to create mentorship programs for aspiring young Black artists and bring attention to inequities within the theater world.
African Americans make up just 7.5 percent of membership in Actor's Equity, the labor union for live theatrical performance. A recent study showed that members of color have fewer work opportunities, just 7.5 percent of principal roles, and earn 10 percent less when they do find work.
And according to TheaterMania, an industry site, in the current season, out of the 37 shows that were on stage before COVID, eight cast no artists of color. Black Theater United is just one among several new efforts.
Another, called Dear White American Theater, a multiracial group, called on arts institutions to — quote — "examine, change and dismantle their harmful and racist practices."
Actor Drew Shade founded Broadway Black in 2012 to celebrate Black theater achievements. His group produced the Antonyos.
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