Inclusive Stages

About Inclusive Stages

Inclusive STAGES™ is the podcast for theater makers, creatives, and arts leaders who believe we can build a better industry—one brave, emotionally intelligent, and trauma-informed space at a time. Hosted by Kira Troilo, founder of Art & Soul Consulting, each episode explores what it really takes to create inclusive, healthy creative environments in today’s rapidly changing performing arts landscape. Whether you're a theater artist, an arts administrator, an educator, a creative leader, or a producer, this show will help you answer big questions like: What is inclusive leadership in the arts, and how do I practice it? How can performing arts organizations promote diversity and inclusion? What does “representation matters” mean in theater and beyond? How can venues make performances more accessible? What tools do I need to lead with care—and still make bold, brilliant work? Through honest conversations, industry insights, and practical tools, Inclusive STAGES™ empowers you to reduce burnout, dismantle harmful norms, and build the kinds of creative spaces where everyone can thrive. New episodes every week. Follow now and join the movement toward healthier, more sustainable arts spaces.

Publisher

Kira Troilo, Theater Consultant & Facilitator of Brave Creative Spaces

Category

arts · education · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 Mar 2024

Latest episode

2 Sept 2025

Latest episodes

47 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Sept 2025

   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 crea...

2. 

   26 Aug 2025

   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 From admin overload to outdated business models, I share a vision for tools and systems that center care, equity, and sustainability.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 s...

3. 

   19 Aug 2025

   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 f...

Who has been a guest on Inclusive Stages

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Davin Youngs
• Maati Wafford
• Peter Van Dam
• Zena Collins
• Dr Charmain Jackman

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

23 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

19 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 51 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

56

Social presence

91

YouTube

0

Engagement

71

Contact Inclusive Stages

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.