Broadway's Beautiful | Melissa Benoist + More | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Cast and creatives of the Broadway musical "Beautiful" discuss their experiences as women in the theater industry.

Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING] SPEAKER: We have a great panel for you today with women from the cast and creatives of "Beautiful," the Carole King musical on Broadway. Before she was Carole King, superstar, she was Carole Klein, teenage songwriter. For five years, "Beautiful," the Carole King musical has thrilled theatergoers with the inspiring true story of one ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🕵️‍♀️ The theater industry is becoming more inclusive and supportive of women, with more opportunities for female performers, directors, choreographers, and technicians.
• 💦 Working on Broadway is a fulfilling but demanding experience, requiring a lot of energy and dedication to make each performance fresh and engaging for the audience.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Mental health awareness, as represented by the IDON'TMIND movement, is crucial, and taking care of one's mind should be treated with the same importance as physical health.

Questions & Answers

Q: How has the theater industry changed in terms of opportunities for women?

Stacey Zaloga shares that there has been a significant shift, with more women entering technical roles and stage management, while Joyce Chittick explains that there are more opportunities for women in choreography and directing.

Q: What advice would you give to women aspiring to work in the theater industry?

Joyce Chittick emphasizes the importance of hard work, taking classes, and building relationships, while Melissa Benoist encourages women to follow their passion and be true to themselves.

Q: How has the Me Too and Time's Up movements impacted the entertainment industry?

Melissa Benoist mentions that the movements have raised awareness and led to positive changes in the industry, such as increased representation and discussions on important issues.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The cast and creatives of "Beautiful" discuss their career paths, mentors who helped them along the way, and the importance of women in the theater industry.

• Melissa Benoist, who plays Carole King in "Beautiful," shares her journey from TV to Broadway and the significance of portraying a strong female character.

• Joyce Chittick and Stacey Zaloga talk about their experiences as associate choreographer and assistant stage manager, respectively, and the changing landscape for women in the industry.