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[0:04] Jason A. Coombs: Hi, this is Jason A. Coombs.

[0:06] Alana Johnson: And Alana Johnson.

[0:07] Jason A. Coombs: And we're here with Survival Jobs.

[0:08] Alana Johnson: Alana is our guest co-host of the day.

[0:10] Alana Johnson: Happy to be here.

[0:11] Jason A. Coombs: And we're on the red carpet for the Black Women on Broadway Awards.

[0:16] Alana Johnson: Yes, we are.

[0:17] Jason A. Coombs: And the show is starting, so we gotta go in there.

[0:19] Alana Johnson: We gotta go.

[0:20] Jason A. Coombs: We gotta go.

[0:21] Jason A. Coombs: We gotta go celebrate. Introduce yourself because they can't see your beautiful face on our podcast.

[0:33] Adrienne Warren: Hello, I'm Adrienne Warren. Nice to see you. Currently killing it on Broadway eight times a week.

[0:39] Jason A. Coombs: So first I want to ask you though, how's it feel being here celebrating Black women, especially during this time where you know a lot of controversy with people disrespecting Black women?

[0:48] Adrienne Warren: Yeah, it's not controversy, that's every day. People disrespect Black women on a daily. One of the most disrespected people in the world is a Black woman. So it's not controversy. That's what a lot of people, that is their day to day. Unfortunately, it doesn't, we are women who rise above, we are women who hold each other up, we are women who bring home the bacon for the family, we are women who bring the fits at church, we are women who can live and thrive in excellence no matter what is thrown our way because we come from generations of women who have done the same.

[1:24] Jason A. Coombs: I love that. So powerful. Thank you for sharing that. What can we do? Like, you know, men, people of other ethnicities, other Black women to make sure Black women are uplifted, supported and have a safe place in theater and entertainment?

[1:38] Adrienne Warren: Stay out of Black women's business, okay?

[1:41] Alana Johnson: Come through, mic drop.

[1:43] Adrienne Warren: Mic drop, stay out of Black women's business because we're gonna do what we do. And I think if we all, there's space for everyone to do their thing and stay out of our business.

[1:54] Alana Johnson: Yes, I love that. That's a mic drop. If it wasn't look so expensive, I would drop it. Two more questions, I'll let you go party.

[2:01] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah, so my podcast is called Survival Jobs: A Podcast. Did you have a survival job while you were trying to, you know, get your way to Broadway being an iconic actress?

[2:09] Adrienne Warren: I did actually. I used to work at the Little Gym on 72nd Street. I started there when I was in college teaching kids gymnastics. Now, mind you, I don't know a thing about gymnastics, but I can teach you how to do a forward roll. Yeah, I used to work in a circus camp, believe it or not. We were doing, yeah, human juggling, yeah, with the little kids, yeah.

[2:31] Jason A. Coombs: Did you know how to do any of that before?

[2:32] Adrienne Warren: They taught us, yeah. Exactly. We had like a week of training, and they were like, okay, go play. We're like, yeah.

[2:39] Jason A. Coombs: Last question. Um, we're so happy to have you. Can you just say one last thing? Being a Black woman on Broadway is filling the blank.

[2:43] Adrienne Warren: Being a Black woman on Broadway is difficult.

[2:50] Alana Johnson: Yes, being a Black woman on Broadway, you are always enough.

[2:55] Adrienne Warren: You're always enough no matter what anyone says. It is a difficult thing to be in an industry who doesn't always see us the way that we see us fully, but we're enough.

[3:06] Jason A. Coombs: You are enough. Thank you.

[3:07] Adrienne Warren: Thank you.

[3:08] Jason A. Coombs: Uh congratulations on the rest of your run. We can't wait to see what comes next, Adrienne.

[3:12] Adrienne Warren: Thank you.

[3:13] Alana Johnson: I am blown away. Oh boy. Hi.

[3:15] Jason A. Coombs: So obviously, this is a podcast. Can you just quickly, the listeners can't see your beautiful face?

[3:21] Kecia Lewis: Oh, gotcha. So quickly introduce yourself.

[3:23] Kecia Lewis: My name is Kecia Lewis, and I am currently in the Broadway show Hell's Kitchen, where I play Miss Liza Jane.

[3:29] Jason A. Coombs: And play. Does she play?

[3:32] Alana Johnson: Does she play?

[3:33] Kecia Lewis: I saw you in the show. I met you backstage. Anyway, so I'm just like, the fact that you're here, I'm just so honored to be speaking with you.

[3:40] Kecia Lewis: Thank you. Let's fill in the blank really quickly. Being a Black woman on Broadway means...

[3:42] Kecia Lewis: Being a Black woman on Broadway means you are indefatigable.

[3:50] Alana Johnson: I love that. Indefatigable. That's derived from Latin, I believe.

[3:56] Kecia Lewis: I have no idea, but it means what I said.

[4:00] Alana Johnson: Absolutely, absolutely. Now, during this current time, what is one way that everyone can uplift and support Black women in film and theater spaces and make sure that we make you feel safe?

[4:15] Kecia Lewis: I think one of the things is not being silent when any kind of oppression or anything that Black women have to deal with that is not centered in their work as artists, and it is coming against their work as artists on some level. I think it's important for the community to rally around us, and I think that it is important for us to stay connected to us because the way that we show up for ourselves with each other is probably the most powerful thing we have outside of any kind of spiritual connection.

[4:52] Alana Johnson: I love that. Given that this is such a demanding, both energetically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually field that you do, what do you practice in order to stay grounded?

[5:04] Kecia Lewis: I have a relationship with God as I understand God, and if I'm not in continual contact, I have really squirrely days. Because some days you can't get the time in that you need to ground yourself and to be present with God. So I try to make that a non-issue. You know, I'm talking to God constantly, and that's what keeps me.

[5:30] Alana Johnson: I love that. Lastly, do you have any words of wisdom or otherwise for today's honorees for the 2025 honorees of the Black Women on Broadway event?

[5:43] Kecia Lewis: I would say to each of them for your contributions collectively and individually over the years that you have done this. Thank you. From all of us.

[5:54] Jason A. Coombs: Thank you. And thank you, Kecia. I'll let you enjoy the rest of the event.

[5:58] Kecia Lewis: Thank you so much.

[5:59] Jason A. Coombs: You as well. Good to see you.

[6:02] Alana Johnson: Okay, so we are a podcast. You just mind introducing yourself to those who can't see your beautiful face?

[6:07] LaChanze: Yes, hi. I'm LaChanze.

[6:09] Jason A. Coombs: Yes.

[6:09] LaChanze: An honoree tonight. How does it feel to be an honoree during this time where there's so much energy surrounding the support of Black women?

[6:18] LaChanze: You know, this is my favorite event of the year. Black Women on Broadway is my favorite event of the year because it is the event where we can be our full authentic selves without concern for what others are thinking about how we show up in the space. And for me, that is the most important.

[6:36] Jason A. Coombs: It's okay. Well, come and join us. Join us, say hi.

[6:45] LaChanze: Or let it Washington.

[6:46] LaChanze: Yes, thank you for being here.

[6:48] Olivia Washington: Of course. I'm a big supporter of the world. This woman, who she brings into the world.

[6:55] LaChanze: She's here.

[6:56] Olivia Washington: Oh, yay! I gotta get a picture with her.

[6:59] LaChanze: Good. I'll get a picture.

[7:01] LaChanze: Olivia Washington, who starred in One in the Wilderness, my directorial debut. It's her daughter.

[7:05] Olivia Washington: Yes, yes, yes.

[7:07] LaChanze: Yes. Yes, yes, yes. That's our new girl. Yeah, if you don't mind me saying that.

[7:13] Olivia Washington: Well, thank you. I won't let you get to the party. Have a good time. But is there anything you want to say to your fellow nominees? Or I mean award honorees?

[7:20] LaChanze: Oh, it's just such an honor to be standing next to the both of these dynamic phenomenal women. And to be honored by us, this group of women, Danielle, Jocelyn, and Amber have created a space for us to really acknowledge and see each other. And I just am so proud to be in the group.

[7:37] Jason A. Coombs: All right. Oh, such an amazing honor. Last question before you go. It's June is Black Music Month. What Black musician or song or album always gets you uplifted, puts you in a good mood, makes you want to kick butt on the red carpet?

[7:48] LaChanze: Kendrick Lamar, they ain't like they're not like us.

[7:48] Alana Johnson: That's a classic.

[7:48] LaChanze: That's a bop.

[7:48] Alana Johnson: They're not like us.

[7:54] LaChanze: Yeah, you look amazing, girl.

[7:56] Alana Johnson: Thank you.

[7:58] LaChanze: Thank you for being here.

[7:59] Alana Johnson: Thank you.

[7:59] LaChanze: Thank you. Enjoy your evening.

[8:02] Alana Johnson: Oh, oh, oh, it's a mini microphone.

[8:05] LaChanze: Yeah, over TikTok. I like little mics.

[8:07] Jason A. Coombs: Okay, I'm sorry. Hi guys, my name is Khaila Wilcoxon.

[8:10] Khaila Wilcoxon: You're one of the honorees tonight. How are you feeling to be honored by your fellow Black women on Broadway?

[8:16] Khaila Wilcoxon: Wow. To be honored by God's greatest creation on earth. It's a blessing. And um, quite honestly, I'm a little emotionally overwhelmed and a little overstimulated. So I'm trying to just take everything in today.

[8:28] Khaila Wilcoxon: Amber was like, girl, we're gonna need an overflow room for you.

[8:30] Jason A. Coombs: Oh, yeah.

[8:31] Khaila Wilcoxon: I said, Chow, you might need one because I get a little chaos, but I'm very grateful. Very, very grateful.

[8:36] Alana Johnson: You deserve all the honors. You don't have all the honors.

[8:40] Jason A. Coombs: So we're here celebrating Black women. Is there a woman in your life or maybe somebody in the entertainment you looked up to? A Black woman that you want to give a shout-out to?

[8:45] Khaila Wilcoxon: My mama. Shout out to my mama. Shout out to my grandmother. She actually just called me yesterday and sang me the most beautiful hymn. And I was like, oh, my talents, this is where they come from. So my roots.

[8:57] Alana Johnson: That lineage.

[8:58] Khaila Wilcoxon: Yeah, that lineage. I'm very grateful for them.

[9:00] Jason A. Coombs: Yes. And we have our podcast called Survival Jobs. Did you have a survival job while you were trying to get to where you are in your career now?

[9:07] Khaila Wilcoxon: I did. I was gonna be a personal trainer. I was training to be a personal trainer, but then I also just worked at Barry's Bootcamp.

[9:12] Alana Johnson: Oh, okay.

[9:13] Khaila Wilcoxon: I did, I did. I was a receptionist and like I also made mistakes and stuff.

[9:17] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah.

[9:17] Khaila Wilcoxon: So you got free classes?

[9:19] Khaila Wilcoxon: Yeah, but I wasn't taking their classes. I was going to like yoga and stuff. I like to be flexible rather than like muscular.

[9:25] Alana Johnson: Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[9:26] Khaila Wilcoxon: Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[9:27] Alana Johnson: I feel that. I feel that. Last question before you go in. Can you just fill in the blank for me?

[9:32] Khaila Wilcoxon: Yes.

[9:33] Alana Johnson: Being a Black woman on Broadway means blank.

[9:37] Khaila Wilcoxon: Being a Black woman on Broadway means, oh man, this is hard. Wait, that's a hard one. Everyone else asked easy ones about the Black woman.

[9:46] Khaila Wilcoxon: Okay. Being a Black woman on Broadway means your power is undeniable.

[9:57] Alana Johnson: Yeah.

[9:57] Khaila Wilcoxon: And you standing in your power is something that no one can stop you from doing.

[10:03] Alana Johnson: Yes. We don't ask permission to shine, us Black women on Broadway. So I'm very grateful to be a part of this community.

[10:10] Jason A. Coombs: Congratulations today. Continue killing it. Can't wait to see what you do next. You look so beautiful too.

[10:15] Maya West: Hi there, my name is Maya West, and I'm currently with the cast of Stranger Things on Broadway.

[10:21] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah, Stranger Things on Broadway. Okay, so today is all about celebrating the brilliance and resilience of Black women in theater. What does it mean for you to be here today and be a part of this moment?

[10:30] Maya West: I mean, it's truly an honor. I keep saying that. I mean, I remember literally watching and looking at this event in the past when I was still in college and when I was always like looking at the women on Broadway that I just wanted to desire to be in my career. So being here today is truly like a full circle moment, honestly. I know that sounds a little cheesy, but I don't really care. It's an honor, and it's such a beautiful celebration to acknowledge the hard work and talent and love and grace that this community, especially Black women in this community, have forged together. And so I'm just really honored, honestly.

[11:01] Jason A. Coombs: Yeah, beautiful. Not cheesy at all, by the way, just in my humble opinion. Is there a Black female performance that lives in your head, stage, screen, or otherwise, that lives in your head completely rent-free?

[11:12] Maya West: I mean, I have like, there's so many, you just said that. And I said Cynthia Erivo, I'm here, Tony Awards, uh, 2016, I think it was, shifted everything for me. I mean that cast, Jennifer Hudson, Danielle Brooks. I can't get past that performance, that company. Superb. I also want to say Heather Headley, I mean Into the Woods, when they just did the revival, what was that, two years ago? Watching Heather Headley, I remember watching the rehearsal at the New York City Center. Those are like everything, they are my dream. If I could have any sort of career like theirs or be like any of them, honestly, I would love that.

[11:44] NaTasha Yvette Williams: So their performances, yeah. Beautiful. Now, in an industry that can be completely demanding, absolutely demanding. How what do you practice in order to stay grounded?

[11:54] Oh my god, what a good question. Um, I would say practice giving myself grace out literally like verbally this morning. I had to like say these affirmations to myself because sometimes it gets so overwhelming and so many things are happening at once in this industry in this life when you're figuring things out, when you're working. So uh I would say just telling myself if this wasn't for me, I wouldn't be here. So this is right. I'm meant to be here, live in it, soak it up, take your time, give yourself grace. That is what I'm telling myself every morning.

[12:27] Thank you so much. Thank you for stopping by. And stay tuned. Thank you so much. It was so nice to talk to you.

[12:40] Irene Gandy: I'm Irene Gandy, Tony Award winning producer, publicist, and also my shows are nominated this year.

[12:51] Yes. We working. We ain't trying to be a queen. We want to be in the kitchen because we get you can lose your job or beheaded of the queen. No, we know we're not. You know she's in Wicked now.

[13:04] NaTasha Yvette Williams: I know, it's madamorable.

[13:06] Irene Gandy: How's it going on?

[13:07] NaTasha Yvette Williams: It's going great. It's amazing to be green right now. So um everything is lovely in the building. I'm loving it. And you all come out when you can get a ticket, because we're kind of sold out.

[13:18] Irene Gandy: Always. It's always sold out. I love I never tell you this. I love it that you're such a traditional.

[13:21] NaTasha Yvette Williams: She's a non-traditional person.

[13:25] Irene Gandy: Yeah. Because it's about the work.

[13:27] NaTasha Yvette Williams: It's not about color. It's about the green.

[13:30] Irene Gandy: Yeah. The green. Because if you don't do the work, you can't make the green.

[13:34] NaTasha Yvette Williams: But like James Joe Jones used to say, have a good makeup kit, know your lines, and do the work.

[13:34] Irene Gandy: Do the work.

[13:41] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Do the work. That's what it's all about. You've been doing the work. I remember seeing you in Color Purple.

[13:45] Irene Gandy: I met you then. I was a huge, it was a little kid, a little goopy kid, still goopy. But uh you've just been following your career since then. You've been doing amazing work, and I'm just so honored to get to talk with you.

[13:54] What does it mean to be here today honoring Black women?

[13:57] Irene Gandy: This means everything. This is the event I look forward to all year.

[14:02] Yeah. More than any other event. The support, the uplifting, the joy, the love, the examples, the company that you get in this room is like none other that we get, and we need it. It helps to fuel us for the entire year.

[14:17] And I'm so grateful for the collaborators of people who came up with this idea, and Danielle and Jocelyn and Amber. It's just a wonderful event. And we are both honored for previous years.

[14:31] NaTasha Yvette Williams: And my daughter's over here.

[14:33] Irene Gandy: And we're so happy to see.

[14:35] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Yeah. As previous honorees, anything you want to say to this class of honorees this year? Any messages or advice?

[14:42] Irene Gandy: We're not curing cancer.

[14:44] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Okay.

[14:45] Irene Gandy: Listen, I just want to say a message that I said back then. Plug into the women in this room. There are their writers, directors, publicists, and all producers, there's all kinds of people in this room who love you and want to see you win.

[14:59] So plug into that and learn and grow and give.

[15:05] NaTasha Yvette Williams: I love that. Thank you so much.

[15:07] Sarita Colon: Hi, my name is Sarita Colon, and I'm with the company of Death Becomes Her.

[15:11] Beautiful. Now, today is all about celebrating the brilliance and resilience of Black women in theater. What does it mean to be here and be a part of this moment today?

[15:20] Sarita Colon: Oh, well, it's such an honor to be at this beautiful event celebrating Black and brown women. It's about time, you know. I'm happy and so proud to be here. It's my first time.

[15:30] So I'm very excited, and we should be celebrated. You know, we are beacons in this industry, and we're fearless and fabulous, and we should be celebrated.

[15:39] NaTasha Yvette Williams: I know that's right.

[15:40] Sarita Colon: I know that's right. It's about time.

[15:42] NaTasha Yvette Williams: It's about time. We should be celebrating every day.

[15:45] Sarita Colon: Let's make that clear.

[15:48] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Okay.

[15:49] Sarita Colon: Okay, is there a performance by a Black woman or a woman of color that lives in your head rent-free, whether it's stage, screen, or otherwise?

[15:58] Oh my goodness, that's there's so many, but I'm a Borica. So, you know, Rita Moreno is such an icon and and you know, broke so many boundaries for us Latinas and Puerto Ricans in this industry.

[16:13] So, you know, I stand on her shoulders, and um, yeah, I mean, all her performances, and Chita Rivera, I mean, so many iconic Latina women that have been on the stage and screen that have just had such iconic roles.

[16:28] Um, so yeah, I can't really pick one, but I know I'll put you on the spot.

[16:33] NaTasha Yvette Williams: I'm so sorry.

[16:34] Sarita Colon: No, that was beautiful though.

[16:36] Okay. Being that this is such a demanding industry, how do you practice staying grounded in order to go about your craft?

[16:45] Sarita Colon: Uh surround myself by my family, like my core group, my family, um, friends taking the time, taking me time, taking space, um, mentally, you know, meditating, things like that. Surrounding myself by good things, other than just work, work, work, finding new hobbies, you know, working out, all those things.

[17:05] Self-care, self-care over here.

[17:07] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Now, the name of the podcast is Survival Jobs. Is there a particular survival job that you ever had that was maybe your most memorable, your favorite?

[17:16] Sarita Colon: Oh my gosh, I've had so many jobs, let me tell you. Uh, I don't know if any of them are my favorite, but along the way, I learned a lot, and I feel like it always pushed me forward into new things.

[17:29] So, um I can't think I was an executive assistant to a CEO of a diamond company. That was interesting. I learned a lot from that one.

[17:35] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Okay.

[17:38] Sarita Colon: Um, yeah, I wouldn't say so.

[17:40] NaTasha Yvette Williams: And you are shining bright like a diamond today, okay?

[17:43] Sarita Colon: Well, thank you so much.

[17:45] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Thank you. Enjoy the mind.

[17:47] Morgan Anita Wood: Thank you. I am Morgan Anita Wood.

[17:50] Yes.

[17:50] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Pastor Bible Job's guest. Welcome back. We're here at the awards for Black Women on Broadway. How are you feeling to be part of this right now?

[17:56] Morgan Anita Wood: I mean, I walked in and was immediately emotional. I mean, what a time to be a Black woman on Broadway, but is it always timely?

[18:05] Yes. Yes, yes, fortunately and unfortunately, you know, as we've as we've seen, but I'm just so honored to be amidst such a stunning group of women.

[18:15] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Beautiful Black.

[18:15] Morgan Anita Wood: Yes, beautiful Black women.

[18:17] Yes. So you brought up this brought us up a little bit. There's been a little bit of hatred going on.

[18:21] NaTasha Yvette Williams: That's not new to the industry.

[18:23] Morgan Anita Wood: What can we all do?

[18:25] Yeah, or the Black women, of course. What can we do? The men, other people of other ethnicities, other Black women to uplift Black women and make sure we're having a safe space for you in theater, in entertainment, on film sets.

[18:37] I appreciate that so much. I mean, I think the first like rule of thumb should be just to acknowledge that there is a problem that it's ongoing.

[18:43] Like, you know, racism is not new, especially towards the Black female and femme presenting community. Um, I think also too just advocating for your Black female and femme presenting peers who um work so hard to be seen, period.

[18:57] Um, to know your privilege, my privilege included, um, and to just continue to speak up and speak out.

[19:02] Um, when you when you hear things that are just not okay or just blatantly racist.

[19:07] Call it out, right?

[19:08] Call it out, call it out. Don't be afraid, be brave, be bold.

[19:11] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Yes.

[19:12] Morgan Anita Wood: Yeah. Thank you. Thank you for sharing that.

[19:14] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Yeah. Can you fill in the blank for me? Being a Black woman on Broadway is blank.

[19:22] Morgan Anita Wood: Everything.

[19:23] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Everything.

[19:24] Morgan Anita Wood: It's um and empowering. Empowering to be able to stand up on those stages and look out and see young Black and brown girls looking literally up at you.

[19:33] NaTasha Yvette Williams: That I it's it's the exact reason why I do this.

[19:37] Morgan Anita Wood: So yeah, really lucky.

[19:39] NaTasha Yvette Williams: So June is Black Music Month. Is there an album by a Black artist or a song that's always gets you pumped, inspires you, uplifts you?

[19:47] Morgan Anita Wood: Yes, I mean I'm always Kendrick is always playing.

[19:49] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Oh yeah.

[19:50] Morgan Anita Wood: Like, listen, I mean, Beyonce, we just saw Cowboy Carter.

[19:52] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Wait, you went live?

[19:53] Morgan Anita Wood: Oh my god, I did, I did.

[19:55] NaTasha Yvette Williams: It was it.

[19:56] Morgan Anita Wood: Everything.

[19:57] NaTasha Yvette Williams: I went on the first, but like when it was raining.

[19:59] Morgan Anita Wood: And so um, but it was magical, so magical.

[20:02] NaTasha Yvette Williams: So anything, I mean, I gotta say Cowboy Carter is like where we're at, but also too.

[20:06] Morgan Anita Wood: Olivia Dean is an artist I've been listening to a lot.

[20:09] NaTasha Yvette Williams: And she has a new song called, you know, I think it's out, it's it's just about joy towards other people, and we always need more of that, don't we?

[20:15] Morgan Anita Wood: We do, especially nowadays.

[20:17] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Like this world is crazy.

[20:18] Morgan Anita Wood: It's crazy.

[20:19] NaTasha Yvette Williams: So more joy the better.

[20:20] Morgan Anita Wood: Yes, yeah. Thank you for being here.

[20:22] NaTasha Yvette Williams: So happy to see you!

[20:24] Morgan Anita Wood: Thank you. Have a great time.

[20:27] Maria Wirries: Yes, I'm Maria Wirries.

[20:29] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Thank you, Maria. So today is all about celebrating the resilience and the brilliance of Black women in theater. What does it mean to be here today and be a part of this moment?

[20:39] Maria Wirries: It really means the world. I'm really honored to be surrounded by these incredible performers and like gorgeous Black women everywhere I look.

[20:49] Um it's yeah, it really means a lot to be a part of this. Because it's all, you know, it's a long road for all of us to like get to this place, and so it just means a lot to be here.

[20:58] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Beautiful. Is there a particular performance by a Black female artist that lives, whether stage, screen, or otherwise, that lives in your head completely rent-free?

[21:07] Maria Wirries: Oh my gosh. How does one even choose?

[21:11] Um, I would probably have to say, um god, that's terrible.

[21:17] That I feel like they're all flashing through my mind right now.

[21:20] Name them all.

[21:21] Maria Wirries: Oh my god, okay, okay. Um Jennifer Hudson and I'm telling you, um, I'm seeing like Audra singing a thousand things, like truly every song she's ever done.

[21:32] I'm such a big fan. Um, LaChanze and What's on This Island, like such an inspiration to me.

[21:37] Um, those are just some of the ones that are flashing through my mind, but yeah.

[21:40] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Beautiful.

[21:41] So June is also Black Music Month.

[21:43] Maria Wirries: Oh my god, I didn't know that.

[21:45] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Yeah, is there a specific artist whose music uplifts you that you can just listen to over and over and over again?

[21:52] Maria Wirries: Dochie's been throwing it down for me.

[21:54] Like when I'm on the subway, when I'm walking down the street, I'm like, I am pumping that music, and it just it gives me like just a powerful, like ready-to-go energy for sure.

[22:05] NaTasha Yvette Williams: I'm part of the Dochi army too.

[22:07] Maria Wirries: I don't I don't know what her fans are called.

[22:08] NaTasha Yvette Williams: I don't know, there's no author, but uh, but maybe we'll figure something out.

[22:12] Are we does? Are we do? Does are we Dochi Douze?

[22:15] Maria Wirries: I kind of love that.

[22:16] NaTasha Yvette Williams: I kind of do too.

[22:17] Maria Wirries: Okay, last question.

[22:18] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Well, I have two more questions, actually.

[22:20] In uh in a business that is so demanding, how do you stay grounded?

[22:24] Maria Wirries: Oh man, I surround myself with my people, like the ones who really ground me and lift me up.

[22:30] Um, I think so often we can get caught up with like, does everybody like me? Does everybody like me?

[22:34] But just having the people who matter to you like you and like investing in that and they invest back in you has been kind of my mantra this year.

[22:44] NaTasha Yvette Williams: A little mutual investment.

[22:46] Maria Wirries: I like that.

[22:46] NaTasha Yvette Williams: I like that a lot. Last question.

[22:48] The name of the podcast is Survival Jobs.

[22:50] Maria Wirries: Yeah.

[22:50] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Have you had a particular survival job that is especially especially memorable?

[22:55] Maria Wirries: Yes. I worked at a wine shop all last year, and I absolutely loved it.

[23:00] I learned so much about wine, and now I like have opinions about it.

[23:05] Which is really fun. It was nice to be a job that also was interesting to me.

[23:10] NaTasha Yvette Williams: And you got to learn, and you got to learn about grapes.

[23:12] Maria Wirries: I did, and I got to drink a lot of wine.

[23:14] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Yum.

[23:15] Maria Wirries: Yum.

[23:15] NaTasha Yvette Williams: With wine is always a good time.

[23:17] Maria Wirries: Yes.

[23:18] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Thank you so much for talking to us.

[23:19] Maria Wirries: I enjoy the rest of the year.

[23:21] NaTasha Yvette Williams: I appreciate it.

[23:22] Maria Wirries: I love her curls.

[23:23] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Yes, Carl.

[23:23] Maria Wirries: Oh, thank you.

[23:25] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Yes.

[23:26] Camille A. Brown: My name is Camille A. Brown.

[23:28] Yes.

[23:28] Camille A. Brown: Choreographer, director, extraordinaire.

[23:30] Alana Johnson: Yes.

[23:31] Camille A. Brown: Thank you so much. So we're here honoring Black women at a time where there's some controversy out there right now.

[23:39] Camille A. Brown: There's not new to Black women at all, the disrespect. What can we do? Men, other people, other ethnicities, other Black women to make sure Black women feel supported, uplifted, have a safe space in theater and arts in general. I mean, this event is the thing. It's an energizer, and it's one of those things that is so necessary because we can tell each other I see you, I'm proud of you, and I celebrate you. And I feel like that, the community is what makes it so beautiful. Community is so important during these days. It's such an honor for me to be here with so many amusing, amazing, beautiful Black women. It's such a chills.

[24:17] Alana Johnson: Yeah, it's wonderful. So you're always working. Is there a special song by a Black artist that keeps you motivated to keep going when you have like a long 12 hour day?

[24:25] Camille A. Brown: Yeah, I would say Sounds of Blackness, "Optimistic."

[24:29] Alana Johnson: Yeah.

[24:30] Camille A. Brown: That's a good one. I used it in the piece that I did most recently for my company, so it's up there. I love it. It's in your heart.

[24:38] Alana Johnson: Okay, last question for I like to go party. Can you fill in the blank? Being a Black woman on Broadway means blank.

[24:44] Camille A. Brown: Ooh. Means you will have to stay the course regardless.

[24:50] Alana Johnson: Yes.

[24:52] Camille A. Brown: Stay on the path. My enterprise, right?

[24:56] Alana Johnson: Yeah.

[24:57] Camille A. Brown: Thank you for being here. Have an amazing time.

[25:00] Debra Martin Chase: Hi, it's Debra Martin Chase, and I'm one of the producers of "Purpose" and "Death Becomes Her" this season. And I'm a have a podcast called Survival Jobs: A Podcast. We interview artists we admire about their journeys. Did you have a survival job before you became a producer extraordinaire?

[25:16] Debra Martin Chase: Listen, well, I was a lawyer.

[25:18] Alana Johnson: Oh, okay.

[25:19] Debra Martin Chase: So I had a slave.

[25:22] Alana Johnson: I can let's work.

[25:24] Debra Martin Chase: Um, but yeah, I mean, I've had, you know, look in high school I worked, I did work at Pioneer Fried Chicken. So I mean, I've done a little bit of everything.

[25:33] Alana Johnson: A little bit of everything, and now you're producing TV, you produce musicals, you're killing it.

[25:41] Debra Martin Chase: Thank you very much. Yes. I'm thrilled.

[25:44] Alana Johnson: We're very proud of "Purpose." That's what we're celebrating today. Do you have a message to the women that are being honored tonight?

[25:51] Debra Martin Chase: Well, listen, I just with Tanya, LaChanze, and my sisters. We've been LaChanze and I have been on this journey a few times together. They're both extraordinary women. I've known LaTanya forever, and I'm just so proud of them and everything that they've accomplished.

[26:07] Alana Johnson: Yes, I love that. I love that. I have one more question for you. It's Black Music Month, June.

[26:12] Debra Martin Chase: Oh my goodness.

[26:13] Alana Johnson: Yes, is there an artist that really gets you moving and grooving that gets you ready to kick off on the next day on a red carpet for meetings, it's really motivates you.

[26:21] Debra Martin Chase: I'm always go back to Sade.

[26:24] Alana Johnson: I mean, I'm like I go old school with Sade. That's my girl.

[26:27] Debra Martin Chase: So yeah.

[26:28] Alana Johnson: An icon.

[26:29] Debra Martin Chase: An icon. Also, I'm a huge Whitney fan. I think I told you that once when I saw you.

[26:35] Alana Johnson: I start to say Whitney, but it depends on my mood. Sometimes it makes me sad.

[26:39] Debra Martin Chase: Yeah.

[26:40] Alana Johnson: And sometimes she makes me very happy.

[26:42] Debra Martin Chase: Yeah, I feel that.

[26:43] Debra Martin Chase: But "Cinderella" is one of the reasons why I'm standing here today. I think I don't know if I told you that before. But no, it was so meaningful to me as a sixth grader to see Brandy as I role, you know, the prince was Asian. Well, I know when I made it, I know what it would have meant to me to have a Black Cinderella. So, and the fact that it's still celebrated all these years later is really it's quite meaningful.

[27:08] Alana Johnson: Can I ask you a question? Can we get that soundtrack? I feel like we need that soundtrack.

[27:19] Debra Martin Chase: I don't, but yeah, I mean, it's the fact that it's there's never been a soundtrack. 26 years, I've been waiting. Unbelievable.

[27:27] Debra Martin Chase: And listen, I keep saying to the powers that be, we're leaving money on the table. Right? Right? Right, yeah. You know, all the Whitney fans are gonna download and all the Brandy fans, you know.

[27:37] Alana Johnson: Congratulations on everything you're doing.

[27:39] Debra Martin Chase: Yeah, of course. Thank you.

[27:42] Alana Johnson: So we are with Survival Jobs, Jason's podcast. Because it is a podcast, not everybody can see your beautiful face. So can you quickly, quickly introduce yourself?

[27:51] Solea Pfeiffer: Oh, I'm Solea Pfeiffer.

[27:53] Solea Pfeiffer: And I think the event is beginning.

[27:55] Alana Johnson: I think it's beginning. Oh okay, fill in the blank. Being a Black woman on Broadway means...

[27:58] Solea Pfeiffer: Means you've worked your ass off to be here and you deserve it.

[28:03] Alana Johnson: And never doubt your place.

[28:06] Solea Pfeiffer: Love that.

[28:07] Alana Johnson: Yeah, I love that. I'm gonna cut to the chase. The podcast is called Survival Jobs. Do you have a favorite survival job?

[28:14] Solea Pfeiffer: Um, my favorite and most iconic. I worked at Victoria's Secret.

[28:19] Solea Pfeiffer: I fit one person for a bra once, it went horribly, and then I never really made it back to the mall.

[28:25] Solea Pfeiffer: So that was mine.

[28:26] Alana Johnson: Victoria's Secret.

[28:28] Solea Pfeiffer: They just kind of never stopped.

[28:29] Solea Pfeiffer: Uh, they never gave me another shift again.

[28:32] Solea Pfeiffer: So they kind of soft fired me. You know what I mean?

[28:34] Solea Pfeiffer: I guess I'm glad they never called me back.

[28:36] Alana Johnson: Okay, enjoy the event.

[28:37] Solea Pfeiffer: Yes, hi, I'm Cicily Daniels, and I'm currently in "Pirates of Penzance" musical on Broadway.

[28:42] Cicily Daniels: Yeah, so we're here at the 2025 Black Women on Broadway Awards. We're celebrating Black women.

[28:47] Alana Johnson: Thank you for your contributions to Broadway.

[28:50] Cicily Daniels: Of course. How do you feel being here in this moment?

[28:53] Cicily Daniels: This is such a beautiful event. Um, honoring people that are my friends, peers, and people that I've looked up to for so many years. So I'm really glad to be in this room.

[29:01] Alana Johnson: So before you became a Broadway actress, icon, did you have a survival job that kind of was memorable or helped you get to where you are now?

[29:10] Cicily Daniels: I absolutely did. Um, when I moved to New York, because I was crazy, I worked the overnight shift at Goldman Sachs as a word processing center supervisor.

[29:20] Cicily Daniels: I convinced them that I could be a supervisor because I had been a dance teacher in college at Yale.

[29:25] Cicily Daniels: And then I would work from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. and then I would go do my auditions in the day.

[29:32] Alana Johnson: Oh, wow. Black women can do everything. I love that for you.

[29:35] Alana Johnson: Last question for you. Is there, it's Black Music History Month? Is there an artist, a Black artist or musician or album or song that really gets you amped in the morning?

[29:51] Cicily Daniels: Ooh, I don't know if it's ready for my show necessarily, but I can always listen to Aretha Franklin.

[29:58] Cicily Daniels: I can listen to Aretha Franklin sing anything ever, but sometimes it's me and Aretha singing gospel and it just brings me home.

[30:05] Alana Johnson: Amazing Grace.

[30:06] Cicily Daniels: I love "Rocksteady." That one always makes me like screw it in the car.

[30:10] Cicily Daniels: I'm never not happy that I listened to Aretha.

[30:12] Alana Johnson: Facts, facts. Thank you for being here. Have an amazing time.

[30:14] Cicily Daniels: Yeah, kill it today.

[30:18] Alana Johnson: Okay.

[30:19] Alana Johnson: It's a pants.

[30:20] Solea Pfeiffer: Oh my gosh, it's pants!

[30:21] Alana Johnson: It's pants!

[30:23] Solea Pfeiffer: Yes!

[30:23] Alana Johnson: That makes it even better. If I'm being complete, I love me a onesie.

[30:27] Solea Pfeiffer: I'm in a onesie, okay? Always gotta be painted. Onesie twins over here.

[30:30] Alana Johnson: Okay. So this is a podcast. So it is an auditory platform. So nobody will see us in our pants suits.

[30:36] Solea Pfeiffer: We're gonna have some clips.

[30:38] Alana Johnson: We're gonna describe it. She is fly, she is lime.

[30:42] Solea Pfeiffer: Lime, are we going with lime?

[30:43] Alana Johnson: Chartreuse, we can go lime.

[30:45] Solea Pfeiffer: Yes, chartreuse. A little cute chartreuse.

[30:47] Alana Johnson: Okay, quickly introduce yourself to the listeners because they can't see your beautiful face.

[30:51] Ta'Rea Campbell: Hi everybody, my name is Ta'Rea Campbell. I'm currently in the show "Stranger Things," but I was also in "The Hills of California" this season as well.

[30:58] Alana Johnson: Congratulations on all of your success.

[31:01] Ta'Rea Campbell: Thank you.

[31:02] Alana Johnson: So today is all about honoring and celebrating the brilliance and resilience of Black women in theater. What does it mean to be here and be a part of this moment?

[31:10] Ta'Rea Campbell: I feel so special. I'm so happy that my friends started this organization and started a place where that we can see others like us in this business and see that everybody is thriving, everybody is gorgeous, everybody is kind and nice to each other. I mean, it really does feel like a family, and it really does feel like a wonderfully safe space to be in.

[31:32] Alana Johnson: Amazing. Can you fill in the blank for us?

[31:34] Ta'Rea Campbell: Yes.

[31:35] Ta'Rea Campbell: Being a Black woman on Broadway means...

[31:41] Ta'Rea Campbell: Being a Black woman on Broadway means being an inspiration. Even if you don't want to be an actor, to be a Black woman in a space that is predominantly white, to have somebody in the audience see you, that might encourage them to do the thing that they don't think that they can do, that they don't think that there's a space for them for. Whether it's, you know, applying to, you know, be a golf teacher or something, or something that, you know, we're not really usually in those particular spaces. Being a Black woman on Broadway, I feel like I have a responsibility to show up, do my best to bring up the younger people that, you know, are coming up behind me. This will be my 24th year in this business. I had my debut 24 years ago, and so I'm so happy to be able to still be here. I feel blessed and I feel honored, and I feel extremely, extremely grateful.

[32:35] Alana Johnson: The epitome of resilience right there, 24 years.

[32:37] Alana Johnson: Okay. Now, there's been a lot of disrespect to Black women in theater, especially recently. Is there one thing we can all do to make sure we uplift and keep Black women safe in these spaces?

[32:49] Ta'Rea Campbell: Well, you have to be kind. You have to think about what you would want. You have to think about how high you always have to be.

[32:52] Ta'Rea Campbell: How high you always have to go. You never can stoop low. Because that's not what we do. We don't do it, we haven't historically, and we won't do it now. No matter how low others stoop, that's not what we do.

[33:11] Alana Johnson: That's right.

[33:12] Ta'Rea Campbell: That is right.

[33:12] Alana Johnson: Now the name of the podcast is Survival Jobs. I know that you have been in this business for 24 years, sis, but is there any particular survival job that is the most memorable to you?

[33:22] Ta'Rea Campbell: I will say that I feel super blessed that I haven't really had to have a survival job, but I did used to be a nanny when I was really, really younger in college, and I love kids, and I really love that. Currently, I'm a volunteer of the Salvation Army. I work in a soup kitchen, so I do that before my shows. Um, and I really enjoy that. Service is really important to me. So, any kind of way that I can serve anybody, I'm there.

[33:45] Alana Johnson: I love that. And theater, you are a service worker, giving your gifts, sharing your gifts with the world. So please don't stop.

[33:51] Ta'Rea Campbell: Thank you so much.

[33:53] Alana Johnson: Thank you so much for talking to us.

[33:55] Jenny Laroche: My name is Jenny Laroche, and I'm the associate choreographer of "Smash" on Broadway.

[34:01] Alana Johnson: Amazing. Now, today is all about celebrating the brilliance and resilience of Black women in theater. What does it mean to be here today and to be a part of this moment?

[34:10] Jenny Laroche: It's incredible. And I'm honored to be here to be a Black woman on Broadway, celebrating my fellow Black women on Broadway, honoring LaChanze, the Diva, that is the one name, the one and only.

[34:27] Jenny Laroche: Um, it's amazing. I love that I'm here, and it's just it's a great day.

[34:32] Alana Johnson: Can you quickly fill in the blank?

[34:34] Jenny Laroche: Or not quickly. Take as much time as you want.

[34:37] Jenny Laroche: Being a Black woman on Broadway means...

[34:37] Jenny Laroche: Means opening doors.

[34:53] Jenny Laroche: Means setting a standard.

[34:59] Jenny Laroche: It means walking in your purpose and your truth.

[35:13] NaTasha Yvette Williams: Aside from LaShawn's. And everything that she continues to do and break ceilings. Yeah, she's so inspiring to me and another wonderful human that I don't think gets enough credit for her work for everything she brings to the table into the room into this industry. Beautiful. Now the name of the podcast is Survival Jobs. Is there a particular survival job that's that was the most memorable for you?

[36:01] NaTasha Yvette Williams: The most memorable survival job. It's not that memorable, but we'll go with it. Okay. Um working at a spa because I got to meditate. I got to be in an environment that I needed at the time that did replenish me at the time. I was sitting out for an injury, and I was like, okay, I can't do what I love, so what am I gonna do? It offered a gym membership, it offered space and like a nurturing just self-care zen area that I was like, okay, this is what I'm this is where I'm gonna be, this is enough for now, and I loved it. I loved being able to welcome people and give people that energy back. That's my survival job that I would say, yeah. I can do that again. I hope I don't have to do that again.

[37:03] Alana Johnson: And the fact that you're here, I highly doubt you will ever have to do that again.

[37:08] NaTasha Yvette Williams: So from your lips. Thank you, Viva.

[37:10] Christina Sajou: Thank you for stopping by and enjoy the rest of the event. Thank you so much. My name is Christina Sajou, and currently I'm in the production of Othello. Yes, so we're here. It's 2025, Black Women on Broadway Awards. What does it mean to be here now during this time? Especially, you know, there's some stuff going on in the media about the disrespect of black women. Why is this important?

[37:30] Christina Sajou: It's important to always be a community. Whether you're black, white, or any color of a diaspora, you know. I think we have to be able to come together as a community. Know that what we do is an act of service for our audiences. And stay true to the authenticity of that and stay focused on that. Rather than pointing fingers and side-eyeing and judging. I think we just need to focus on the art and love the art within ourselves.

[37:56] Alana Johnson: Yeah. How do you keep going when this world is a little bit crazy? I will say that word, you know? Like, how do you keep going day to day and keep putting on your nice beautiful clothes and attending events and working in the industry when things are so wild?

[38:09] Christina Sajou: I tell myself that one, you know, not only am I choosing it, but it's chosen me. So never really you cannot give up on your dream. You can't give up because the dream is also making it happen for you as well. Um, but also I love my downtime. I think as givers of artists or givers, that is important to definitely spend some time in solitude. And um self-care, yeah, take care of yourselves, whether it's getting massage, hang out with your dog, watch your favorite television, but read your favorite book. Something that removes you from the um distraction.

[38:43] Alana Johnson: Yeah. So our podcast is called Survival Jobs. Did you have a survival job? You know, when you're on up and up trying to get to the place you are?

[38:51] Christina Sajou: Yes. After, okay, so currently I'm in my eighth Broadway show. Okay. But when I was on my fourth Broadway show, I didn't I couldn't find work for a while. I was like, what happened? Maybe like a year or two of like dryness and and non-responsive. Um or I'm sorry, or like not um having the opportunity to go out there and really just like work, whether it was regional or you know on Broadway.

[39:17] Alana Johnson: Yeah. So I started working back at my old job when I was 20 years old. Here I am, 30. Okay. I mean 30 at the time. I was um working at Disney's Club Coca-Cola.

[39:27] Christina Sajou: Oh wow. Which is a jazz club. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And um I absolutely love that place. And for me, it never really felt like it was just like a job. It felt like like a vibe and um entertainment.

[39:38] Alana Johnson: Yeah, I love that, because I feel like that's part of the journey, right? One of my good friends is Robin De Jesus, and he was had a Tony nominee and he was doing a coach with me one time. You know, and it happens, and you know you gotta keep pushing and getting it getting to that next.

[39:51] Christina Sajou: True. And you never know how that is leading to something else, because actually the irony of working at Disney's Club Coca-Cola is that it gave me the education of jazz.

[39:59] Alana Johnson: Yeah.

[39:59] Christina Sajou: And so then I was able to co-direct the Broadway production of A Wonderful World.

[40:04] Alana Johnson: I love that. Congratulations. That's so amazing.

[40:06] Christina Sajou: Yeah, no, that's super amazing. Last question before I let you go. June is Black Music Month. Is there a certain artist, a black artist, or music or a song or album that always gets you pumped?

[40:18] Christina Sajou: Coaching. Oh yeah. In my anxiety, in my anxiety, I love it.

[40:24] Alana Johnson: Yeah, that's amazing. Thank you for being here. Have an amazing time and congrats on all your success.

[40:29] Christina Sajou: Thank you so much. I really appreciate you too.

[40:32] Aisha Jackson: Miss Aisha Jackson. Thank you, Aisha. So today is all about celebrating the brilliance and resilience of black women in theater. What does it mean to be here today and be a part of this moment?

[40:42] Aisha Jackson: It's beautiful. It means that we are taking time to take up space to gather and commune with one another. It's like the energy in this space is always renewing. Um and it feeds our souls. So it's very it's a blessing to have a space like this to be ourselves.

[41:02] Alana Johnson: A thousand percent. Now there notoriously, but also recently has been some disrespect towards black women in these spaces. What is one thing that everyone can do to make sure that black women feel supported and safe in film and TV and theater spaces?

[41:18] Aisha Jackson: They can talk to us and they can ask us what we need. And then they can make space and do those things. That's what I think. And treat us with the same respect that you give everyone. I know you everyone. Everyone. Everyone, no matter what color their skin is, no matter if they're the lead or the ensemble or in the background or in the front, on the creative team, whatever. Like make space for us, see us, and take the time to understand what we need.

[41:48] Alana Johnson: Beautiful. Is there any particular woman in your personal or professional life that has had a lasting impact on your career?

[41:57] Aisha Jackson: Yes. Well, my mother. Um, but also Miss Amber Iman, Danielle Brooks, LaChanze, Heather Hedley, Black Lilius White, all of these beautiful black women that have paved the way for me to be where I am. So I'm grateful for them, always.

[42:15] Alana Johnson: Amazing. Now this month is Black Music Month. Yes. Okay. Is there any particular artist that no matter what, whenever you play them, they always uplift you and a specific song, if you will?

[42:27] Aisha Jackson: Whitney Houston.

[42:30] Alana Johnson: With somebody with somebody.

[42:37] Aisha Jackson: With somebody who has me.

[42:40] Alana Johnson: There you go. Thank you for the bars, my dear. Thank you so much. Oh, and last question. The name of the podcast is Survival Jobs. Have you ever had a specific survival job that was your favorite?

[42:50] Aisha Jackson: I did enjoy. I was a hostess at a restaurant for a bit, and I got to serve um Naomi Campbell. So yeah, I love that job. I'll take that. I'll serve a little tea to Naomi, okay?

[43:04] Alana Johnson: Well, thank you so much for talking to us. Enjoy the rest of the event.

[43:07] Aisha Jackson: Thank you, you two.

[43:09] Portia: Hi, I'm Portia.

[43:10] Alana Johnson: Hi, Portia. Now, Portia today is all about celebrating the brilliance and resilience of black women in theater. What does it mean to be here today and be a part of this moment?

[43:20] Portia: Community. And it's really, really important, especially now with the dismantling of everything. So coming together to celebrate us is very important and necessary. So, and it's a beautiful day. It's a beautiful day to celebrate, and especially a beautiful day to celebrate black women on Broadway.

[43:43] Alana Johnson: Black women. Can you fill in the blank for us? Being a black woman on Broadway means everything.

[43:51] Portia: I know that's right. Everything.

[43:54] Alana Johnson: She said everything. I love that. Period. With a period at the end, okay? Punctuate that.

[44:00] Portia: Okay. Is there any particular woman, woman in the industry that has had a lasting impact on your career personally?

[44:09] Portia: Yes. And that would be Miss Felicia. Felicia Rashad, who changed my life as a director. She directed me in a production of Fences, and it changed everything.

[44:24] Alana Johnson: Amazing. Now the podcast is called Survival Jobs. Is there a particular survival job that you recall that was your favorite?

[44:32] Portia: Yes. I watered plants in office buildings around the city, the World Trade Center, the World Financial Center. I was the lady with the green thumb that kept all the plants alive.

[44:47] Alana Johnson: Love a green thumb.

[44:49] Portia: Yeah. Okay, and last question. Given some of the disrespect that women of color have had to tolerate in these spaces in theater and film and TV. What is something, what is one thing that everyone can do to make sure black women feel safe and supported in these spaces?

[45:07] Portia: Listen. And that's simple. Listen, you know, don't listen to respond. Listen to understand. Listen to elevate yourself. Um because we'll always tell you what we need, what we want, and what is necessary.

[45:28] Alana Johnson: Well, thank you so much, Portia. I appreciate you for stopping by. Enjoy the event.

[45:33] Portia: This is a podcast. Not everyone can see your beautiful face right now. Can you just quickly introduce yourself?

[45:38] Krystal Joy Brown: Hi, I'm Krystal Joy Brown, and I am so happy to be here.

[45:41] Alana Johnson: And we're happy to have you. So today is all about celebrating the brilliance and resilience of black women in theater. What does it mean to be here and be a part of this moment?

[45:46] Krystal Joy Brown: First of all, it's an honor to even be asked. It's an honor to be able to be on Broadway representing black women. Um I've done six Broadway shows, and I'm doing a show off Broadway right now, Lights Out at New York Theater Workshop, and we're really celebrating our black icons. So being around the current black icons of Broadway, film and TV, uh, this is a momentous moment.

[46:09] Alana Johnson: Beautiful. Quickly fill in the blank, or not, take your time. Being a black woman on Broadway means the honor to be representation, to show people our vulnerability, our commitment, our strength, what we are capable of, and to tell stories that will hopefully grow empathy as we so deserve.

[46:30] Alana Johnson: All right, the music is picking up. She had to go. She has to go. All right. Thank you.

[46:39] Alana Johnson: Thank you so much for tuning in to this very special bonus episode of Survival Jobs, a podcast. Live on the red carpet of a 2025 Black Women on Broadway Awards. Special thanks to our amazing special guest co-host, Alana Johnson. Until next time. Bye.