A person goes through adversity, suffers cruelty and oppression, yet somehow perseveres.
And someone notices.
And that person becomes inspired, recounting the story to family and friends.
And an author writes the story about that person’s journey.
And a composer becomes inspired and gives the story a melody.
And a lyricist gives the melody words that further develop and explain elements of the story.
And the melody becomes a musical arrangement of instruments played by musicians speaking a language to which all living things on earth respond.
And we read the story and listen to the songs.
And we are moved.
And then we read the story out loud and sing the songs ourselves.
And we are changed.
And then we tell the visual artists the story and sing the songs for them.
And they are changed.
And then the artists create visual works that help to tell the story
And the people on the team are changed.
And then we teach others to read the story and sing the songs.
And they are changed.
And then actors perform the story and sing the songs to an audience.
And the members of the audience are moved and changed.
And the writers, composers, lyricists, musicians, vocalists, actors, dancers, artists, technicians and the members of the audience who are inspired go forward and create something new with the seeds which have been planted by their combined experience.
And the community is changed.
And the cycle continues.
And the world is changed.

There is so much cruelty, sickness and oppression in every news headline. I find myself wanting to turn my attention to happier stories where everyone respects and loves one another. I just want to escape, but I must not do that. Now is not the time, because our current moment in what is a 400 year old story has only just begun and there is still much to work to do. I have wanted to say something to show my support and keep the conversation going. I am a white woman and I know that it is not possible that my life experience is like that of my friends and family who are black. I don’t want to say the wrong thing at a time like this. “I understand” or “I’m with you” doesn’t do it. The truth is, it is not my time to talk. Now, more than ever, is the time to listen. I want to see more clearly, hear more presently and understand more fully what it is to be marginalized in America.

CTSI shared a photo from the Broadway Kids Auditions Facebook page a few days ago that really spoke to me as an arts educator and I want to share it with you. The post accompanying the photo from @broadwaykidsauditions stated “ The best part of theatre is finding new musicals that we can connect with, discovering characters that we resonate with, and seeing what the world could be. We encourage all of our students to dive deep and look into shows they are less familiar with. Educate yourself on the era and the issues of the time. Find meaning in the lyrics. Become friends with these characters. Learn from them and practice empathy above all else.” I plan to watch, read and sing aloud as many of the Musicals listed as possible: