To create convincing, raw theatre, you must be vulnerable in your practice. You must live and find a home in the uncomfortable. My job as a stage manager is to provide an accessible, inclusive, and secure environment, encouraging vulnerability rather than fearing it. My rehearsal spaces are inclusive and advocate for queer and transgender individuals. As a queer and trans person, I create a space where transgender and non-binary voices are amplified and included as a societal norm. As I’ve grown in this industry, I have noticed a lack of representation within productions and casts. Few theatrical productions highlight trans actors and represent queer relationships. I have had experiences where a trans actor feared the idea of auditioning for male roles, as he didn’t fit into the traditional male stereotype.

Theatre knows no bounds, and it should not be limited, especially due to gender constraints. Not only am I a queer advocate in my artistry, but I also promote body image positivity, enabling people of all sizes to be vulnerable with their bodies without judgment. I take pride in having accessibility in my work. I advocate for American Sign Language interpreters, physically accessible rehearsal spaces, and sensory-friendly show dates. I have had to advocate for individuals, where their own personal accommodations were not adequately providing the resources they needed. I want my rehearsal spaces to be what I want the community around me to be: inclusive, safe, and accessible. My rehearsal space is a place where, no matter what, you can come in as yourself and have the freedom not to be judged for it. 

While I build my spaces on inclusivity and safety, I also concentrate on creating spaces that allow creativity to flourish. I create a space where collaboration runs freely, allowing designers, technicians, and directors to add input without concerns about confrontation. Doing this builds a safe environment for not only the directors and designers but also the actors, as it creates a sense of transparency and accountability within the company. Transparency and accountability are imperative to having a successful production. Theatre thrives in an environment that is inclusive, accessible, and secure. There is nothing like the art of theatre, and my job is to ensure that every individual has the ability to experience art.