Post October 7: Jewish Theater Identity and Hard Conversations w/ Ari Axelrod

Talking to Closeted Trump Supporters—Why Theater Must Try

Talking to a closeted Trump supporter about politics, inclusion, and what theater needs now. In this season finale, I sit down with my longtime friend, Julie D'Alessandro, a Boston-based voice teacher who has long kept her political views private. Together, we have a rare, candid conversation about inclusive theater, conservative voices in the arts, and what it takes to bridge political divides without losing compassion. From arts funding cuts to the quiet presence of Trump supporters in creative spaces, we discuss the fear, belonging, and courage it takes to keep listening. This one’s challenging, hopeful, and full of hope about how theater can move forward. Check out the full show notes and other resources at  https://www.inclusivestages.com/post/talking-to-closeted-trump-supporters [https://www.inclusivestages.com/post/talking-to-closeted-trump-supporters] Connect with Kira: @kiratroilo [https://www.instagram.com/kiratroilo/] @artandsoulconsulting [https://www.instagram.com/artandsoulconsulting/] @inclusivestages [https://www.instagram.com/inclusivestages/] "'Black Hair'" Is Hair: An Entertainment Industry Guide [https://www.inclusivestages.com/product-page/black-hair-is-hair-an-entertainment-industry-guide]Website [https://www.inclusivestages.com/] http://patreon.com/InclusiveStagesJoin our mailing list - scroll to the bottom of the page [https://www.inclusivestages.com/] https://www.inclusivestages.com/Thanks to our music composer, Zachary McConnell, and our producer, Leah Bryant.

Burnout Is Breaking Us — Here’s the Pivot Arts Leaders Need

What if the greatest threat to theater right now isn’t empty seats, but burnout in the arts? In this solo episode, I open up about the strain so many artists and leaders are facing, and why creative leadership strategies and even AI might hold part of the answer. From admin overload to outdated business models, I share a vision for tools and systems that center care, equity, and sustainability. This one’s candid, urgent, and full of hope.  Enjoy the episode, friends! Check out the full show notes and other resources at   https://www.inclusivestages.com/post/burnout-is-breaking-us-heres-the-pivot-arts-leaders-need [https://www.inclusivestages.com/post/burnout-is-breaking-us-heres-the-pivot-arts-leaders-need] Mentioned Links Waitlist for From Burnout to AI and Automation Strategies for Arts Leaders  [https://mailchi.mp/artandsoulconsulting/from-burnout-to-bandwidth-ai-and-automation-strategies-for-arts-leaders] Inclusive Stages Residency (London, November 2025) [https://www.inclusivestages.com/london2025] Connect with Kira: @kiratroilo [https://www.instagram.com/kiratroilo/] @artandsoulconsulting [https://www.instagram.com/artandsoulconsulting/] @inclusivestages [https://www.instagram.com/inclusivestages/] "'Black Hair'" Is Hair: An Entertainment Industry Guide [https://www.inclusivestages.com/product-page/black-hair-is-hair-an-entertainment-industry-guide]Website [https://www.inclusivestages.com/] http://patreon.com/InclusiveStagesJoin our mailing list - scroll to the bottom of the page [https://www.inclusivestages.com/] https://www.inclusivestages.com/Thanks to our music composer, Zachary McConnell, and our producer, Leah Bryant.

Family Meeting: Race, Theater & Fighting Fires—Onstage and Off

What if the most powerful tool for change in theater isn’t performance, but conversation? I sit down with my dad, retired firefighter Fred Cowan, for a candid family conversation about race, theater, equity, and what it takes to build genuine inclusion. From fighting fires in public service to calling out tokenism in the arts, he shares stories of resilience, honesty, and the power of difficult conversations. This one’s heartfelt and full of wisdom. Enjoy the episode, friends! Check out the full show notes and other resources at  https://www.inclusivestages.com/post/family-meeting-race-theater-and-fighting-fires-onstage-and-off [https://www.inclusivestages.com/post/family-meeting-race-theater-and-fighting-fires-onstage-and-off] Connect with Kira: @kiratroilo [https://www.instagram.com/kiratroilo/] @artandsoulconsulting [https://www.instagram.com/artandsoulconsulting/] @inclusivestages [https://www.instagram.com/inclusivestages/] "'Black Hair'" Is Hair: An Entertainment Industry Guide [https://www.inclusivestages.com/product-page/black-hair-is-hair-an-entertainment-industry-guide]Website [https://www.inclusivestages.com/] http://patreon.com/InclusiveStagesJoin our mailing list - scroll to the bottom of the page [https://www.inclusivestages.com/] https://www.inclusivestages.com/Thanks to our music composer, Zachary McConnell, and our producer, Leah Bryant.

Post October 7: Jewish Theater Identity and Hard Conversations w/ Ari Axelrod

What if the most powerful way to confront antisemitism… is by celebrating Jewish joy? I sit down with actor and singer Ari Axelrod, who shows how Jewish representation in theater goes far beyond casting—it’s about telling the complete story of a community’s history, resilience, and contributions. From calling out double standards in the arts to creating space for genuine, inclusive conversations, Ari blends personal stories with practical ways to stand in solidarity. This one’s thoughtful, courageous, and full of heart. Check out the full show notes and other resources at  https://www.inclusivestages.com/post/post-october-7-jewish-theater-identity-hard-conversations [https://www.inclusivestages.com/post/post-october-7-jewish-theater-identity-hard-conversations] Connect with Kira: @kiratroilo [https://www.instagram.com/kiratroilo/] @artandsoulconsulting [https://www.instagram.com/artandsoulconsulting/] @inclusivestages [https://www.instagram.com/inclusivestages/] "'Black Hair'" Is Hair: An Entertainment Industry Guide [https://www.inclusivestages.com/product-page/black-hair-is-hair-an-entertainment-industry-guide]Website [https://www.inclusivestages.com/] http://patreon.com/InclusiveStagesJoin our mailing list - scroll to the bottom of the page [https://www.inclusivestages.com/] https://www.inclusivestages.com/Thanks to our music composer, Zachary McConnell, and our producer, Leah Bryant.

Why We Still Can’t Find a Stylist Who Gets Our Hair with Jade Buffong-Phillips

What if your biggest barrier to belonging in a theater space was the hair that grows naturally out of your head? In this candid and eye-opening conversation, Jade Buffong-Phillips of Mane Hook-Up shares why textured hair in theater is more than a beauty concern. It’s an issue of equity, access, and care. From backstage realities to industry-wide gaps, Jade unpacks the overlooked details that define whether artists truly feel seen and supported. This one’s honest, affirming, and full of real-world insight. Enjoy the episode, friends! Check out the show notes and other resources at  https://www.inclusivestages.com/post/why-we-still-cant-find-a-stylist-who-gets-our-hair-with-jade-buffong-phillips [https://www.inclusivestages.com/post/why-we-still-cant-find-a-stylist-who-gets-our-hair-with-jade-buffong-phillips] Connect with Kira: @kiratroilo [https://www.instagram.com/kiratroilo/] @artandsoulconsulting [https://www.instagram.com/artandsoulconsulting/] @inclusivestages [https://www.instagram.com/inclusivestages/] "'Black Hair'" Is Hair: An Entertainment Industry Guide [https://www.inclusivestages.com/product-page/black-hair-is-hair-an-entertainment-industry-guide]Website [https://www.inclusivestages.com/] http://patreon.com/InclusiveStagesJoin our mailing list - scroll to the bottom of the page [https://www.inclusivestages.com/] https://www.inclusivestages.com/Thanks to our music composer, Zachary McConnell, and our producer, Leah Bryant.