Equity takes a stand against a government that continues to prove it does not care about the arts.
In response to a proposed cut to all NEA funding (leaving just enough money to cover the closure of the association), Kate Shindle, president of Actors' Equity Association, said, “The last thing we need to do is slash a program that creates and sustains jobs in small and regional theaters all over America. Thousands of our members have already spoken up about how the NEA is an economic lifeline in so many places.” (Actors’ Equity)
Alia Shawkat is a badass Arab-American, LGBTQ, female actor.
In a recent interview, the “Search Party” and “Paint it Black” actor said, “I was a tomboy growing up, and I remember my mom asking me when I was 10, 'Are you attracted to boys or girls?' I said 'I don't know.' Now, I consider myself bisexual, and I think balancing my male and female energies has been a big part of me growing as an actor.” (Out)
The first-ever Women in Animation World Summit is happening.
Taking place this June, the summit is a response to the sexism and lack of diversity in the animation industry. (Variety)
“Hamilton” continues to kill it...
The record-breaking musical just picked up another award: the Billboard Music Award for Top Soundtrack/Cast Album. (Broadway World)
...as does Ben Platt.
The 23-year-old “Dear Evan Hansen” star (and Tony nominee) just made history as the youngest actor ever to win the Drama League's Distinguished Performance Award. (Broadway.com)
Just another reason to love Connie Britton.
Mrs. Coach (sorry, Tami Taylor...sorry, Britton) told reports at Vulture Fest that she fights for every single one of her characters to realistically represent the women she sees in the real world: “It certainly isn’t my experience that suddenly when you get into your 40s you are irrelevant and don’t have anything to offer. It is in fact just the opposite, and that is the story I want to tell.” (The Cut)
Broadway’s casting directors want to unionize.
Despite their specialized work and influence, CDs are some of the least protected workers on Broadway. (New York Daily News)
Nicole Kidman is on a mission to make Hollywood a better place.
And she's going to do it one female director at a time. (The Sydney Morning Herald)
Roger Moore, an iconic “James Bond,” dies at 89.
The actor, who played 007 seven times, had the longest run as the suave spy. (New York Times)
This is the best advice we’ve heard in a while, courtesy of Danielle Brooks.
In a letter to her 15-year-old self, Brooks offers an insane amount of wisdom, including gems like “You are different, Danielle. You are not an ordinary 15-year-old, and that is okay. That doesn’t make you better or less than anyone. But what you must not do is dim your light.” We're not crying...you're crying! (Refinery29)
Helen Mirren continues to be a literal dream human being.
During her keynote address at Tulane’s commencement, Mirren offered her “Top 5 Rules for a Happy Life” and implored the graduates to be feminists regardless of their sex or race: “I have come to understand that feminism is not an abstract idea but a necessity if we–and really by ‘we,’ I mean you guys–are to move us forward and not backward into ignorance and fearful jealousy. So now I am a declared feminist and I would encourage you to be the same.” (Tulane University)