For the theatre folx, if you’re not familiar with the term, now is a good day to learn it. If you’re wondering if it’s somewhat related to or in response to Color-blind Casting, the answer is: YES!

The definition for the latter, according to Wikipedia, is:

the practice of casting without considering the actor’s ethnicity, skin color, body shape, sex and/or gender.

If you’re familiar with the pitfalls of “Colorblind” as a concept in general (see Why is teaching my kid to be Colorblind a bad thing, if you’re not), then you can probably connect the dots about why it’d be problematic when casting.

And so enter Color-Conscious Casting. I’ll kick it off with a quote and a link:

I’ve got a big fat opinion on the term “color-blind casting,” which is that it doesn’t exist. I can’t think of an environment, in real life, where race doesn’t factor into relationship dynamics. And if it doesn’t exist offstage—why do we think we can (or should) create that scenario? I prefer the term “color-conscious casting,” by which I mean that race is acknowledged in, and ideally deepens, theatrical conversations. – Lavina Jadhwani

Lavina wrote this in a piece for HowlRound Theatre Commons, Color-Conscious Casting Three Questions to Ask.

And the questions are on point. I think the questions, although meant for the stage, are an interesting one whenever considering leadership and representation in general, especially when participating in efforts to support Black Lives Matter, for example.

Anyway, check out both links. And thanks for all who’ve shared the sectors you work in. Will absolutely begin tailoring and curating content and news and resources as is more relevant to your own fields and sectors.

Also, very much appreciating the support, especially to new Patrons today!! I hope you’re able to find what you want and need on your own path, and I’m looking forward to us walking this road toward Racial Justice together.