Hey y’all! Welcome to the Theatre Artist Podcast | Diving Into the Craft and Business for Theatre Artists. 

Today’s conversation is with Dawn Simmons. Dawn is the Executive Director of Stage Source, an arts service organization focusing on work force development and sector improvement in theatre across New England. She is originally from Buffalo, NY, where she received a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Buffalo. She went on to study playwriting at Boston University. She has since gone on to direct for regional theatres such as The Front Porch Arts Collective, WAM Theatre, The Nora Theatre, Greater Boston Stage Company, SpeakEasy Stage Company, Bad Habit Productions, Fresh Ink Theatre and Lyric Stage Company. She is the co-founder and artistic director of the Front Porch Arts Collective, a black theater company committed to advancing racial equity in Boston through theatre. She also founded New Exhibition Room in 2008 to produce provocative, political, and affordable theater events. Before taking on the role of Executive Director of Stage Source, Dawn served on the Board of Directors and as the Director of Programs for nine years. More recently, she served as the Director of Performing Arts at the Boston Center for the Arts.

One thing to note before we get into the episode;  I mention Maurice towards the beginning of the episode, who is her partner for Front Porch Arts Collective and will be next week's guest. I will have him linked for you in the Fact Check, but I wanted to mention it at the top so that you have some reference.

Dawn was so inspiring and so easy to talk to. We talked about so many incredibly important and impactful things that resonated deeply with me like not fighting for, but advocating for voices, being of service, living a purpose driven life, responding to need, the importance of fostering and nurturing new voices, being fearless to ask questions and being fearless to be in the rooms, the importance of mentors, political and personal theatre, and learning to develop your voice.

I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Follow us on social media @theatreartistpodcast, check out the Fact Check page with links at www.kasiagneiser.com/links-for-a-conversation-with , and support us at www.patreon.com/theatreartistpodcast .

How you can support and participate in the Black Lives Matter Movement: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co

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