Best Facilitator of Brave Creative Spaces Podcasts (2025)

1
What Are Trauma-Informed Creative Spaces? w/ Dr. Jackman 46:40

3d ago46:40

46:40

Most theater companies want to support their artists, but many are missing the mark without realizing it. What does it actually mean to create psychologically safe spaces in the arts? There’s a powerful case to be made for prioritizing artists’ mental health—not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it strengthens the work. When we c…

1
When a President Attacks a Musical 43:11

10d ago43:11

43:11

I’m so excited to have the opportunity to bring you this conversation with the incredible writing team behind "Finn" - Chris Nee, Chris Dimond, and Michael Kooman - for an inspiring discussion about artistic resistance in the face of political censorship. When their critically acclaimed children's musical about a shark who discovers he might be a f…

1
White House Declares DEI Dead: Here's My Take 50:26

3M ago50:26

50:26

In this special episode of Inclusive Stages, host Kira Troilo steps into the guest seat for a candid conversation about the evolving landscape of DEI consulting in theater. Interviewed by her husband Jared, Kira unveils her unique approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion work that builds bridges instead of barriers. As a DEI consultant challeng…

1
Let's Get Real: Hard Lessons of 2024 28:11

5M ago28:11

28:11

Welcome to the Season 2 finale of the Inclusive Stages podcast! 2024 has been a wild ride—it feels like I just started the podcast and it’s surreal to already have two seasons under my belt. Today, I’m going to share my lessons and reflections from 2024 as well as plans for 2025. But before we get into it, I want to share my gratitude—for the peopl…

1
Communicating Our Feelings Through Stories & Zones with Levi Troilo 20:32

6M ago20:32

20:32

We’re doing things a little differently. My son Levi Troilo joins me today for a very special episode of the Inclusive Stages podcast! Levi and I love listening to podcasts where parents and children are reading books. We thought it would be fun to read a story and talk about a topic that applies to all kids and adults—the zones of regulation. The …

1
Why Everyone Pays When You Wait To Self-Advocate 26:21

6M ago26:21

26:21

In theater and in the arts world, self advocacy can feel almost impossible, especially for artists who so often feel they’re replaceable. In a lot of ways, that assumption is true and something we as an industry need to work on changing. Being able to advocate for yourself helps lay the groundwork for inclusion. Waiting to advocate for yourself can…

1
Solving Big World Problems with Inclusive Storytelling with Julie Ann Crommett 51:28

6M ago51:28

51:28

EDI (or DEIB) work truly is for all of us! And given how much heat the industry has received recently—it could use a bit of a rebrand. Because representation in storytelling has the power to help us solve big problems in the world! If we let it… With a journey that’s taken her to Harvard, Walt Disney, Google, and even the TEDx stage—Julie Ann Cromm…

1
3 Black Women, 3 Takes: Inclusion Work in 2024 28:05

6M ago28:05

28:05

Welcome to a very special episode of the Inclusive Stages podcast. A conversation centered around defining inclusion, creating a shared vision for this work, and establishing a brave space for difficult conversations. Because we can only become stronger and more connected people, organizations, and artists when we learn how to engage in hard conver…

1
The View from the Pit with Music Director Dan Rodriguez 50:23

7M ago50:23

50:23

As a music director, Dan Rodriguez knows how critical inclusion is in theater and the arts. It’s critical in often unseen places like the pit, where you’ll find musicians, vocal performers, and the music director. Music directors tend to be with production processes the longest, which means they understand and have a unique position of influence wi…

1
Why ‘Brave Spaces’ In Theater Should Be Non-Negotiable 18:10

7M ago18:10

18:10

Brave spaces, I hope you'll agree, aren't a luxury in the arts. They’re a necessity for theater lovers and professionals. Without them, we can't push the boundaries of art and storytelling in a way that's healthy and sustainable. And isn't that what we're all here to do? Create art and theater that's daring and meaningful and makes a difference. Th…

1
Run a Thriving Arts Business in a Post-Pandemic Era with Aubrey Bergauer 44:11

7M ago44:11

44:11

There’s a business case to be made for theater companies and arts organizations. We need to fill the seats with more dedicated theater lovers and friends. To do that, it’s important to be inclusive of the community we serve, think outside the box, and consider how we can welcome new audience members in a thoughtful, sustainable way. Aubrey Bergauer…

1
Inclusive By Design: Costumes, Hair & Working with Gen Z 41:33

8M ago41:33

41:33

Being a theater costume designer is about so much more than creating an outfit someone will wear for a performance. It’s about seeing that person, collaborating with them, and empowering them to bring this character to life night after night! Raquel Adorno began as a stage performer and, over time, transitioned into her most impactful role—theater …

1
EDI That Actually Works for Theater Culture Change with Alexa Smith 49:48

8M ago49:48

49:48

There are so many other talented, dedicated, and caring folks out here supporting everyone who brings a production to life. And this conversation is actually the very first time I met Alexa Smith! She’s had a very similar journey to me with acting, motherhood, and EDI consulting. Alexa shares about her early acting career, what led her to become a …

1
The #1 Missing Skill in the Theater Industry 28:14

8M ago28:14

28:14

I'm making good on a promise from my last solo episode—I’m talking about one of the most important and underrated skills that is missing from the theater industry. We haven't been educated about it, and yet it’s at the heart of all our creative work. Have you guessed what it is yet? When I say the word, it typically elicits groans—so get ready to g…

1
Reclaiming Agency & Naming the Elephant in the Room with Jennifer Apple 54:56

8M ago54:56

54:56

It’s hard to know how much of yourself to bring to a character as an actor. There’s also the question of which roles to even audition for? It can be absolutely exhausting trying to figure out which boxes to put yourself in and what to do with your talents in this industry. Which is why I’m grateful Jennifer Apple is here with me for this conversati…

1
In the Room Where It Happens: Politics & Parenting with Jared Dixon 58:12

9M ago58:12

58:12

Politics is a part of not only the musical “Hamilton” but also the theater industry itself. From theater governance to policies that affect parents to actor taxation, there’s a whole section of theater that you may not be aware of—yet! If we hope to see change, we must take action. And that’s one major theme of this episode with Jared Dixon. Jared …

1
Hiring Black Artists? Consider These 5 Key Things First 32:17

9M ago32:17

32:17

One easy way to show that you value black actors and members of your production team is to have thought things through ahead of time. Another is to ask for and actually act on feedback. There is so much I want to share on this topic, so what better way than to record a podcast and share that with you? Today’s solo episode—and season 2 opener for th…

1
Relationships, Race, & Reviving Curiosity with Jared Troilo 49:30

11M ago49:30

49:30

At work, Jared and I try to stay as far apart as possible because he’s the actor and I’m the EDI consultant. This is Jared, as in Troilo—my husband and father to our son, Levi! This conversation is a huge treat for us! Join us as we discuss Jared’s 20+ year acting career, parenting in the theater industry, relationship building, the importance of c…

1
We Know How To Fix the Entertainment Industry 51:31

12M ago51:31

51:31

There are many conversations happening about mental health and the arts—but not much is being done about it. Art is a powerful medium for change, yet education is being minimized and artists aren’t being handled with care. Which is why it fills me with such joy to introduce you to these two incredible powerhouses who are in fact doing this work alo…

1
Why I Needed to Retire from Acting (For Now) 20:04

12M ago20:04

20:04

Today, I want to talk about something I’ve wanted to share for a while—why I decided to retire from acting. On this podcast, I ask other actors and artists to come on and be vulnerable. I invite them to share their stories and dig deep with me. So it’s only fair that I do that myself. In this episode, I’m sharing my experiences as a commercial and …

1
Ups & Downs of B'way Behind-the-Scenes & Reclaiming “Fat” w/ Katy Geraghty 47:40

12M ago47:40

47:40

When discussing inclusion in musical theater and the arts, body diversity must be a part of that conversation. Actors come in all shapes and sizes—with all of the lived experiences that go along with their bodies. The audition process can be a source of trauma—or inspiration! The performances themselves can be hurtful—or empowering! My guest today,…

1
Transitioning, Type-Casting & Learning from Each Other Offstage 55:21

1y ago55:21

55:21

Telling stories in the theater is evolving. There are intimacy coordinators and EDI consultants like me. But the real change is happening by the real people having real conversations and real growth with each other in real time. These productions aren’t just opportunities for the audience to grow and gain a different perspective—we, as actors, get …

1
How To Create an Inclusive Rehearsal Room Culture 28:37

1y ago28:37

28:37

Creating inclusive spaces in rehearsal rooms is just one piece of the puzzle. But it has a huge ripple effect! Who wouldn’t want to feel heard, seen, and valued, right? (And this doesn’t just go for the actors, friends…) Part of my mission with this podcast is to share what I’ve learned—and continue to learn—on my journey as an EDI consultant. So t…

1
Beyond Accessibility: Disability Representation in Theater with Brennan Srisirikul 45:22

1y ago45:22

45:22

Disability representation in theater is still a misunderstood and even avoided topic. But I’m hoping to change that with today’s conversation. Meet Brennan Srisirikul, a talented disabled actor, producer, and advocate! We bonded over coffee and the fact that, while progress has been made when it comes to disability and theater, there’s still work t…

1
Consent-Forward Practices & Care-Forward Leadership with Leigh Barrett 46:34

1y ago46:34

46:34

Being a “consent-forward artist” or birthing a “care-forward creative space” sounds lovely, but it’s a BIG job. The theater industry has historically had a “just push through” mentality. Thankfully, we’ve seen that begin to shift in the last few years, but not without some damage being done. Leigh Barrett is a beloved Boston-based actor, singer, an…

1
Tour Life & EDI Conversations with Aaron Michael Ray 40:21

1y ago40:21

40:21

How often do you get asked about your lived experiences? All those moments added up to create the person you are today, yet not all of us are fortunate enough to have people in our world willing to ask questions and listen to what we have to share. But Aaron Michael Ray saw a way to encourage, facilitate, and help all of us heal from conversations …

1
Setting Boundaries Behind the Scenes for Racism On Stage 46:41

1y ago46:41

46:41

In order to tell a story, we need all aspects of the story. And that includes the difficult and tricky parts, the villains, the hurt. This conversation is real. It’s raw. It’s incredibly vulnerable. I’m joined by Victoria Omeregie and Jon Vellante in this first roundtable episode. I can’t think of two better actors for this conversation. I had the …

1
Dangers of DEI Work Gone Wrong 28:16

1y ago28:16

28:16

Welcome to my first solo podcast episode! I’m discussing DEI work gone wrong and why I prefer to say EDI work. Words matter and there’s a very subtle difference between the two acronyms. I’ll share about the unique considerations for EDI work for the arts. But this episode is mostly focused on the 5 signs of bad DEI work we should all be aware of a…

1
Broadway Bodies: Industry Bias and Dreamgirls with Ryan Donovan 48:23

1y ago48:23

48:23

Have you ever stopped to think about the people—the actual humans—whose bodies are telling stories on stage? Or about the history of musical theater? How about the implicit bias that goes into what we see on stage? When I began doing EDI work for theater and the arts, I couldn’t find many resources about the topic of inclusion and Broadway musicals…

1
The Power of Support and Color Conscious Storytelling with Corbin Bleu 52:39

1y ago52:39

52:39

Being a multiracial actor is a unique experience. You feel pulled in several directions quite often and don’t always see a spot for someone like you on the screen or stage. I’m so grateful to have Corbin Bleu joining me for this conversation about this very topic! Not only am I a fan, we recently had the chance to work together on the world premier…

1
Inclusion Consultants and Why Every Show Needs One 25:14

1y ago25:14

25:14

Other industries have people who can help employees and employers navigate conflict or difficult conversations, so why doesn’t the theater industry? Inclusion consultants (or EDI consultants) aren’t new, but it’s a newer role in theaters and the arts. Today, I’m sharing more about my work in this industry, how I got here, and what I’m doing to furt…

1
Setting the Stage: Introducing Kira Troilo 47:29

1y ago47:29

47:29

This is your host, Kira Troilo, and today I’m joining you from the guest seat! In this podcast, I speak with theater makers, artists, directors, actors, and lovers and I ask them to share and be vulnerable. So, it only feels right for me to kick off the podcast by doing the same. You’ll hear about my childhood, life in the theater, who I am, the wo…

1
Welcome to Inclusive Stages 2:52

1y ago2:52

2:52

Welcome to 'Inclusive Stages' -- the go-to weekly podcast for theater makers, theater artists and theater lovers who want to make our industry a better place for everyone. We'll chat with actors, directors, designers, scholars and more about the current landscape of the theater scene, and get their thoughts on how we can do better. Host Kira Troilo…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Facilitator Of Brave Creative Spaces Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
Inclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts Spaces

Kira Troilo, Theater Consultant & Facilitator of Brave Creative Spaces

1
What Are Trauma-Informed Creative Spaces? w/ Dr. Jackman 46:40

1
When a President Attacks a Musical 43:11

1
White House Declares DEI Dead: Here's My Take 50:26

1
Let's Get Real: Hard Lessons of 2024 28:11

1
Communicating Our Feelings Through Stories & Zones with Levi Troilo 20:32

1
Why Everyone Pays When You Wait To Self-Advocate 26:21

1
Solving Big World Problems with Inclusive Storytelling with Julie Ann Crommett 51:28

1
3 Black Women, 3 Takes: Inclusion Work in 2024 28:05

1
The View from the Pit with Music Director Dan Rodriguez 50:23

1
Why ‘Brave Spaces’ In Theater Should Be Non-Negotiable 18:10

1
Run a Thriving Arts Business in a Post-Pandemic Era with Aubrey Bergauer 44:11

1
Inclusive By Design: Costumes, Hair & Working with Gen Z 41:33

1
EDI That Actually Works for Theater Culture Change with Alexa Smith 49:48

1
The #1 Missing Skill in the Theater Industry 28:14

1
Reclaiming Agency & Naming the Elephant in the Room with Jennifer Apple 54:56

1
In the Room Where It Happens: Politics & Parenting with Jared Dixon 58:12

1
Hiring Black Artists? Consider These 5 Key Things First 32:17

1
Relationships, Race, & Reviving Curiosity with Jared Troilo 49:30

1
We Know How To Fix the Entertainment Industry 51:31

1
Why I Needed to Retire from Acting (For Now) 20:04

1
Ups & Downs of B'way Behind-the-Scenes & Reclaiming “Fat” w/ Katy Geraghty 47:40

1
Transitioning, Type-Casting & Learning from Each Other Offstage 55:21

1
How To Create an Inclusive Rehearsal Room Culture 28:37

1
Beyond Accessibility: Disability Representation in Theater with Brennan Srisirikul 45:22

1
Consent-Forward Practices & Care-Forward Leadership with Leigh Barrett 46:34

1
Tour Life & EDI Conversations with Aaron Michael Ray 40:21

1
Setting Boundaries Behind the Scenes for Racism On Stage 46:41

1
Dangers of DEI Work Gone Wrong 28:16

1
Broadway Bodies: Industry Bias and Dreamgirls with Ryan Donovan 48:23

1
The Power of Support and Color Conscious Storytelling with Corbin Bleu 52:39

1
Inclusion Consultants and Why Every Show Needs One 25:14

1
Setting the Stage: Introducing Kira Troilo 47:29

1
Welcome to Inclusive Stages 2:52

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