This transcript was automatically generated and might contain errors.

[0:00] Martín Acuña: Hi, everyone. I am Martín Acuña, and you are listening to Backstage Talk.

[0:18] Martín Acuña: Hello, everyone. Welcome back to Backstage Talk. Today, I have another special guest that I haven't met in person. I have met her through Twitter and through Clubhouse. She is Ayanna Prescod. She will tell us all about her in a couple of seconds. And today, we will discuss a topic that I've had in mind since probably last year, maybe before, and it's Broadway representation of BIPOC people. So, Ayanna, thank you so much for being here. It's an honor. It's a pleasure. I know my listeners will love this conversation. And the floor is yours.

[1:02] Ayanna Prescod: Thank you so much for having me. I so appreciate this. I am ready to have that conversation. Let's get to it. What do you want me to start with?

[1:20] Martín Acuña: First, you can give us an introduction of who you are and what you do.

[1:26] Ayanna Prescod: Yeah. Well, I'm Ayanna Prescod, and I am a jack of all trades, I want to say. I am an editor, a journalist, a founder. But my top tier is theater editing and journalism. I've been in the theater industry for not a long time, maybe about six years now, and writing for four years. But I grew up loving the theater. So I knew that I was going to be working in this space. I can't sing or dance, but I had to figure out a way to work, whether it was backstage, whether it was costume design, writing, and I kind of found my niche with writing. I am also the founder of Our BK Social. And Our BK Social is a platform for people of Brooklyn, New York. And we cover everything from food and dining to arts and culture to finance.

And that's only in the vicinity of Brooklyn. So yeah, it's just, um, that's a little bit about me. I mean, I am the editor, theater co-editor of the Brooklyn Rail. And the Brooklyn Rail, it's, Brooklyn is in the name, but we are very diverse in what we cover. So, but it's an arts and culture magazine. And I am the theater co-editor along with Billy McEntree. And he is also, um, another wonderful person, um, in the theater realm. And we pretty much cover all of Broadway, off-Broadway, off-off-Broadway, anything to do with the theater. So yeah, that's a little bit about me.

[3:19] Martín Acuña: And you, you're also a writer with Broadway Direct, right?

[3:22] Ayanna Prescod: Yeah. Well, yeah. So I'm a, I do so much, I can't keep up. Um, yeah. So I do a lot of freelance work for Broadway Direct. Um, but I'm a features writer. So I do mostly once or twice a month, their features, they have like a broad, let me give you a little foundation because I don't think people know about Broadway Direct. Broadway Direct is under the Netherlander Corporation. So they own most of the theaters on Broadway. And this is just their, their outlets where people can buy tickets, where people can learn more about the shows, um, that are happening on Broadway pre-shutdown. Right now, because Broadway is shut down, we're focused more on, um, inclusion and diversity and just telling the stories that haven't been told before. So, um, yeah, I do a lot of features writing for them. Um, I do so much that, but that's, that's the main stuff. So it's Broadway Direct, it's Brooklyn Rail and our BK Social.

[4:35] Martín Acuña: Awesome. Awesome. How did you start in theater? How did you find that passion? Uh, because you just said you, you weren't a performer, but you knew that you wanted to be in the theater industry.

[4:42] Ayanna Prescod: That's a great question because, um, I grew up loving theater. Um, my grandfather who sadly passed away in 95, he was the first person to take me to a Broadway show. Um, and my first Broadway show was Cats, but I feel like everybody who's a millennial, like that was their first Broadway show. Um, so from that show, I was like, wow, this is so, and I was like nine, but I knew that this was my space. If that makes sense, like as a child, I just felt so comfortable. Um, there were kids that were like so afraid of this show because Cats can be scary, but it's just like, I felt comfortable. I loved the live music. I love the performance, the acting. And I told my grandfather, I said, you have to take me to more of these things.

Like I want to, I want to be in theater. So he kind of like was my gateway into theater and performance art. Um, and then, you know, I went to school for fashion design and marketing. I got my BA in fashion marketing, but when I graduated from college, I was like, this is not what I wanted to do. Like, it's just something that I felt passionate at that time, but it wasn't like my first love. And my first love was theater, but I know that I can't sing. I can't dance. I'm not a performer. I needed to find a way in. Um, I had started our BK social my last year of college, and it was kind of just something on social media. It wasn't like, it wasn't like a big thing. Um, and then president Obama at the time invited me to cover it.

Well, the PR the West, the white house press invited me to cover president Obama's trip to Brooklyn. So that was just kind of like, okay, I need to make this a platform. And that was big. That was huge. And that was like, that was like six months into like me starting this social media platform. I had no website. I had no nothing. I just had like gained traction, you know, um, gained a following. It wasn't like over the top celebrity status, but it was enough to catch their attention. And what I was doing, I was doing a lot of social justice within Brooklyn. So yeah. So I just started writing about, um, I had a theater portion on our BK social because we do have like a little, a few regional theaters within Brooklyn, New York that I would cover their shows.

And, um, Nicole from exit, she's a former editor. She reached out to me on Twitter because she saw my passion. I feel like I meet so many people on Twitter. She saw my passion for theater and saw how, like, I talk about it constantly. So she DMs me and said, Hey, we're looking for new writers for exit magazine. Um, we're starting a New York branch because they are, uh, London based. They're only based in the West end at the time. And I was like, sure. Like, I'm not like a critic, but you know, you want to help me out. Let's get this going. So she was kind of like, this was four years ago. She was kind of my entryway into theater journalism. So I didn't go to school for that. I didn't, you know, this is not something, this is something that I learned from other editors.

Um, so I started writing, I started, um, just doing interviews and talking to people and here I am. And now I'm like, that was just, it's not like you're a typical, like I was a theater nerd in high school. Like I was dancing with the theater kids. That wasn't me. I went to school for fashion, but I kind of knew from when I was a child that this was my comfort zone and this is what I wanted to do. So it kind of just like, it wasn't a straight line getting there kind of like a maze, but it worked its way out. So I love it. I love it. And I love how life turns around unexpectedly and you end up doing the thing you love the most.

[9:10] Ayanna Prescod: Right, right, right. So unexpected, but it's kind of like I called it into existence in a way, if that makes sense.

[9:22] Martín Acuña: No, it does. It does make sense. I mean, I'm a, I'm a person that manifests a lot of things. So the power of manifestation. It works. It works. Try it.

[9:35] Ayanna Prescod: You also have a podcast that's Token Theater Friends.

[9:43] Ayanna Prescod: Yeah. So that's not my podcast. I am one of the, um, you're like reminding me of all the stuff I do. Um, my friend Jose Solis, um, started this podcast with Deep Tran, another, um, brilliant, they're both brilliant theater journalists and they started this podcast for the underserved voices of the theater community. Um, just by the title, you can, it's just so striking and their work was so beautiful. And when Deep left, I believe she works for Backstage now. She's a writer for Backstage. Jose wanted to rework the podcast to have rotating co-hosts and they're all BIPOC people, people of color, people in the theater industry who know what they're talking about, who can stir up a conversation.

And, um, he just set this foundation that, you know, these are voices that are, aren't often heard and let's all come together and let's like take the stand and talk about the things we love. Cause I feel like, I don't know, growing up while I knew I wanted to be in theater in a way, um, I knew that it was kind of not normal for a person who looked like me. I recognized the audience theater members, weren't always people of color, majority were white. I mean, it's still pre COVID. It was still a majority white as far as Broadway is concerned. Um, but it's, but it's because we're not given that platform to talk to ourselves about it. So what Jose did was he took this platform, Token Theater Friends, he created this beautiful podcast and said, let's speak to each other about it.

Let's bring in more people who look like us because we do attend the theater, but is it accessible? Do, are these people who are coming to the theater for the first time? Are they seeing, hearing from us? Like this is what we have to do. This is what we have to do.

[12:07] Ayanna Prescod: So, yeah.

[12:17] Ayanna Prescod: Thank you so much for having me, Martín. I'm really excited to be here and to talk about the changes that Broadway needs.

[12:47] Ayanna Prescod: I think one of the biggest things we need to focus on is inclusion. It's not just about representation on stage, but also behind the scenes. We need to ensure that BIPOC voices are heard in every aspect of the industry.

[13:17] Ayanna Prescod: It's crucial that we create spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued. This means not only hiring diverse talent but also providing support and resources for those individuals to thrive.

[13:47] Ayanna Prescod: We’ve seen a lot of conversations around this topic, especially during the pandemic. It’s a moment for reflection and action. We can't go back to the way things were; we need to push for real change.

[14:17] Ayanna Prescod: I believe that the future of Broadway depends on how well we can adapt and evolve. If we want to attract new audiences, we have to be more inclusive and representative of the communities we serve.

[14:27] Ayanna Prescod: It’s not just about the shows we produce, but also about the stories we tell. We need to amplify BIPOC narratives and ensure that they are given the same platform as others.

[14:37] Ayanna Prescod: Education is also a key component. We need to educate ourselves and others about the importance of diversity and inclusion in the arts. This starts from a young age and continues into professional development.

[14:47] Ayanna Prescod: I think mentorship programs can play a significant role in this. By connecting young BIPOC artists with established professionals, we can help pave the way for future generations.

[14:57] Ayanna Prescod: It's about creating a community that supports one another, where everyone can share their experiences and learn from each other.

[15:07] Ayanna Prescod: We also need to hold institutions accountable. If they say they are committed to change, we need to see that reflected in their actions and policies.

[15:17] Ayanna Prescod: The industry has a long way to go, but I truly believe that with the right mindset and dedication, we can create a more equitable environment for everyone.

[15:27] Ayanna Prescod: It's important for us to keep pushing the conversation forward, even when it gets uncomfortable. Change is often messy, but it's necessary.

[15:37] Ayanna Prescod: I encourage everyone to get involved, whether it's through advocacy, education, or simply supporting BIPOC artists and creators.

[15:47] Ayanna Prescod: Together, we can make a difference and ensure that Broadway reflects the diverse world we live in.

[15:57] Ayanna Prescod: Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts. I'm looking forward to seeing how we can all contribute to this change.

[16:07] Ayanna Prescod: Let's keep the momentum going and continue to uplift each other in this journey.

[16:17] Ayanna Prescod: I appreciate your platform, Martín, for allowing these conversations to happen. It's vital for the future of the industry.

[16:27] Ayanna Prescod: I hope that listeners feel inspired to take action in their own communities and support the BIPOC artists around them.

[16:37] Ayanna Prescod: Change starts with us, and I believe we have the power to create a more inclusive and vibrant Broadway.

[16:47] Ayanna Prescod: Thank you again for having me on the show. I'm excited to see what the future holds for all of us in this industry.

[16:57] Ayanna Prescod: Let's keep pushing for progress and making our voices heard.

[17:07] Ayanna Prescod: I'm really passionate about this topic, and I hope that we can continue to engage in meaningful discussions about inclusion and representation.

[17:17] Ayanna Prescod: It's essential for the health of the industry and for the stories we want to tell.

[17:27] Ayanna Prescod: I look forward to connecting with more people who share this vision and want to work towards a better future for Broadway.

[17:37] Ayanna Prescod: Thank you, Martín, for being such a great host and for facilitating this important dialogue.

[17:47] Ayanna Prescod: Let's keep the conversation going, and I hope to see more positive changes in the near future.

[17:57] Ayanna Prescod: Together, we can make Broadway a place where everyone feels welcome and represented.

[18:07] Ayanna Prescod: I'm excited for what lies ahead and for the opportunity to be part of this transformative journey.

[18:17] Ayanna Prescod: Thank you for listening, everyone. Let's make a difference together!

[18:27] Ayanna Prescod: I'm looking forward to seeing how we can all contribute to this change.

[18:37] Ayanna Prescod: It's time for Broadway to reflect the diversity of our world, and I believe we can achieve that.

[18:47] Ayanna Prescod: Thank you again for having me, and I hope to connect with many of you soon.

[18:57] Ayanna Prescod: Let's keep pushing for progress and making our voices heard.

[19:07] Ayanna Prescod: I'm really passionate about this topic, and I hope that we can continue to engage in meaningful discussions about inclusion and representation.

[19:17] Ayanna Prescod: It's essential for the health of the industry and for the stories we want to tell.

[19:27] Ayanna Prescod: I look forward to connecting with more people who share this vision and want to work towards a better future for Broadway.

[19:37] Ayanna Prescod: Thank you, Martín, for being such a great host and for facilitating this important dialogue.

[19:47] Ayanna Prescod: Let's keep the conversation going, and I hope to see more positive changes in the near future.

[19:57] Ayanna Prescod: Together, we can make Broadway a place where everyone feels welcome and represented.

[20:07] Ayanna Prescod: I'm excited for what lies ahead and for the opportunity to be part of this transformative journey.

[20:17] Ayanna Prescod: Thank you for listening, everyone. Let's make a difference together!

[20:27] Ayanna Prescod: I'm looking forward to seeing how we can all contribute to this change.

[20:37] Ayanna Prescod: It's time for Broadway to reflect the diversity of our world, and I believe we can achieve that.

[20:47] Ayanna Prescod: Thank you again for having me, and I hope to connect with many of you soon.

[20:57] Ayanna Prescod: Let's keep pushing for progress and making our voices heard.

[21:07] Ayanna Prescod: I'm really passionate about this topic, and I hope that we can continue to engage in meaningful discussions about inclusion and representation.

[21:17] Ayanna Prescod: It's essential for the health of the industry and for the stories we want to tell.

[21:27] Ayanna Prescod: I look forward to connecting with more people who share this vision and want to work towards a better future for Broadway.

[21:37] Ayanna Prescod: Thank you, Martín, for being such a great host and for facilitating this important dialogue.

[21:47] Ayanna Prescod: Let's keep the conversation going, and I hope to see more positive changes in the near future.

[21:57] Ayanna Prescod: Together, we can make Broadway a place where everyone feels welcome and represented.

[22:07] Ayanna Prescod: I'm excited for what lies ahead and for the opportunity to be part of this transformative journey.

[22:17] Ayanna Prescod: Thank you for listening, everyone. Let's make a difference together!

[22:27] Ayanna Prescod: I'm looking forward to seeing how we can all contribute to this change.

[22:37] Ayanna Prescod: It's time for Broadway to reflect the diversity of our world, and I believe we can achieve that.

[22:47] Ayanna Prescod: Thank you again for having me, and I hope to connect with many of you soon.

[22:57] Ayanna Prescod: Let's keep pushing for progress and making our voices heard.

[23:07] Ayanna Prescod: I'm really passionate about this topic, and I hope that we can continue to engage in meaningful discussions about inclusion and representation.

[23:17] Ayanna Prescod: It's essential for the health of the industry and for the stories we want to tell.

[23:27] Ayanna Prescod: I look forward to connecting with more people who share this vision and want to work towards a better future for Broadway.

[23:37] Ayanna Prescod: Thank you, Martín, for being such a great host and for facilitating this important dialogue.

[23:47] Ayanna Prescod: Let's keep the conversation going, and I hope to see more positive changes in the near future.

[23:57] Ayanna Prescod: Together, we can make Broadway a place where everyone feels welcome and represented.

[24:07] Ayanna Prescod: I'm excited for what lies ahead and for the opportunity to be part of this transformative journey.

[24:17] Ayanna Prescod: Thank you for listening, everyone. Let's make a difference together!

[24:27] Ayanna Prescod: I'm looking forward to seeing how we can all contribute to this change.

[24:35] Ayanna Prescod: I think that the industry has a lot of work to do in terms of representation and inclusion. It's not just about having BIPOC faces on stage; it's about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

[25:05] Ayanna Prescod: We need to ensure that the stories being told are diverse and reflect the true fabric of our society. This means hiring writers, directors, and producers from various backgrounds who can bring their unique perspectives to the table.

[25:35] Ayanna Prescod: It's also crucial to provide mentorship and support for emerging artists of color. We need to create pathways for them to succeed and thrive in this industry, which has historically marginalized their voices.

[26:05] Ayanna Prescod: Additionally, we must address the systemic issues that have led to these disparities. This includes examining our hiring practices, funding allocations, and the way we promote shows.

[26:35] Ayanna Prescod: Change won't happen overnight, but if we commit to making these adjustments, we can create a more inclusive and equitable Broadway for everyone.

[26:55] Ayanna Prescod: It's about accountability and making sure that we are not just paying lip service to diversity but actively working towards it in every aspect of the industry.

[27:15] Ayanna Prescod: I believe that audiences are ready for this change. They want to see stories that resonate with them and reflect their experiences.

[27:25] Ayanna Prescod: The more we can engage with our communities and understand their needs, the better we can serve them through our art.

[27:35] Ayanna Prescod: We have to be bold and courageous in our efforts. It’s time to push for the changes that we know are necessary.

[27:55] Ayanna Prescod: I think we also need to celebrate the successes of BIPOC artists and creators. Highlighting their achievements can inspire the next generation and show that it is possible to succeed in this industry.

[28:15] Ayanna Prescod: Collaboration is key. We need to work together across different sectors of the industry to ensure that everyone is included in the conversation.

[28:35] Ayanna Prescod: This is not just a moment; it’s a movement. We need to keep the momentum going and not let it fade away.

[28:55] Ayanna Prescod: I encourage everyone in the industry to reflect on their own practices and consider how they can contribute to this change.

[29:15] Ayanna Prescod: It starts with each of us taking responsibility and being proactive in our efforts to create a more inclusive environment.

[29:35] Ayanna Prescod: We can’t afford to be complacent. The time for change is now, and we all have a role to play.

[29:55] Ayanna Prescod: I’m hopeful for the future of Broadway and the entertainment industry as a whole. If we work together, we can create something truly special.

[30:15] Ayanna Prescod: Let’s not just talk about diversity; let’s make it a reality.

[30:35] Ayanna Prescod: I believe that we can achieve this if we are committed to the work and hold ourselves accountable.

[30:55] Ayanna Prescod: The journey may be challenging, but the rewards will be worth it.

[31:15] Ayanna Prescod: We owe it to ourselves and to future generations to create a more equitable industry.

[31:35] Ayanna Prescod: I’m excited to see what the future holds and how we can all contribute to this change.

[31:55] Ayanna Prescod: Together, we can make Broadway a place where everyone feels welcome and represented.

[32:15] Ayanna Prescod: Let’s keep pushing for progress and ensure that our voices are heard.

[32:35] Ayanna Prescod: Change is possible, and it starts with us.

[33:03] Ayanna Prescod: I’m ready to be part of that change and hope others will join me.

[33:31] Ayanna Prescod: It’s time to take action and make our industry reflect the diversity of our society.

[33:59] Ayanna Prescod: I believe in the power of storytelling and its ability to bring people together.

[34:27] Ayanna Prescod: Let’s harness that power to create a more inclusive and vibrant Broadway.

[34:55] Ayanna Prescod: I’m looking forward to seeing how we can all contribute to this important work.

[35:23] Ayanna Prescod: The future is bright, and I’m excited to be part of this movement for change.

[35:51] Ayanna Prescod: Let’s make sure that we are all part of the solution moving forward.

[36:17] Ayanna Prescod: Together, we can create a Broadway that truly represents everyone.

[36:47] Ayanna Prescod: I’m ready for this change, and I hope you are too.