Green Room Meditations presented by the Indiana Repertory Theatre

Welcome to the Green Room Meditations Podcast, brought to you by the Indiana Repertory Theatre and hosted by Devon Ginn. Today, we are in conversation with: Allen Sledge. Allen's career in musical theatre has brought him to our stage at IRT where he's currently thrilling audiences as the voice of Audrey II. His performance history includes roles in The Wild Party and Ragtime with Footlite Musicals, and Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat at Fort Wayne Civic Theatre.  Allen earned his BFA in Musical Theatre from the Chicago College of Performing Arts in 2007 and has since been a force on the stage. During our chat, Allen shared insights into his role preparations, his deep passion for story telling, and how he uses theatre as a platform to advocate for social justice and equity. Join us to dive deeper into Allen's artistic journey and discover what makes his performances so captivating.  Learn more about Allen on Instagram: @soulsledge   About the Indiana Repertory Theatre: Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful. https://www.irtlive.com/ 

Welcome to the Green Room Meditations Podcast, presented by the Indiana Repertory Theatre and hosted by Devon Ginn. Today, we are in conversation with: Beatriz Vásquez. She devotes her artistic practice to the celebration of indigenous traditions through papel picado. Beatriz currently serves as an Artist in Residence for the U.S. Department of State's Art in Embassies program. Her latest installation, "Viva la Vida", is on display in the lobby of the Upperstage at the Indiana Repertory Theatre, showcased in conjunction with our production of Frida... A Self Portrait. "Viva la Vida is available for viewing until Sunday, April 7, 2024. During our conversation, Beatriz discussed establishing cultural and ancestral connections through art, her dedication to elevating the craftsmanship of the original people of Mexico, and her experiences in Santiago, Chile, and Oaxaca, Mexico. We also explored Beatriz's work-life balance and the impact of proper representation. Beatriz will also be a featured panelist in the "Truth in Color" Community Conversation on Tuesday, April 2, 2024. She will share her artistic philosophy and experiences with Nicole Martinez LeGrande of the Indiana Historical Society and Daniel Del Real of the Global Village Welcome Center. Learn more about her work here: https://ganggangculture.com/artists/beatrizvasquez/  About the Indiana Repertory Theatre: Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful. https://www.irtlive.com/ 

Welcome to the Green Room Meditations Podcast, presented by the Indiana Repertory Theatre and hosted by Devon Ginn. Today, we are in conversation with: R. Eric Thomas, the brilliant mind behind The Folks at Home, which is making its much-anticipated debut in Indianapolis on Friday, February 23. Thomas, an acclaimed author, playwright, and television writer, is celebrated for his keen ability to weave humor, heart, and a sharp critique of social norms into narratives that resonate deeply with audiences, queer and otherwise. His work offers a refreshing glimpse into the everyday lives of queer people, embracing the beauty found in the mundane and championing the right to an "ordinary" life on one's own terms. As we delve into Thomas's creative process and the inspiration behind The Folks at Home, we also explore his personal journey toward defining self-care and liberation in a world that often demands exceptionalism from its marginalized voices. Through a candid discussion, Thomas shares insights into how his multifaceted identity informs his storytelling, offering listeners a unique perspective on the importance of celebrating difference and finding joy in the simplicity of being oneself. Join us for a fun conversation that challenges conventions, uplifts the spirit, and affirms the value of every storytelling. Learn more about R. Eric's here: https://rericthomas.com/  About the Indiana Repertory Theatre: Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful. https://www.irtlive.com/ 

Welcome to the Green Room Meditations Podcast, presented by the Indiana Repertory Theatre and hosted by Devon Ginn. Today, we are in conversation with: AshLee "PsyWrn Simone" Baskin (pronounced Sigh-ren Si-moan,) a multi-disciplenary artist hailing from Indianapolis, Indiana. PsyWrn has been an integral part of the Indianapolis music scene over the last decade. As the understudy and assistant director for IRT's production of Fannie: The Music & Life of Fannie Lou Hamer, she brings her artistic prowess to the forefront. Recognized for her rise in the performing arts scene, PsyWrn is known for collaborations with local bands and collectives, as well as her role as the Associate Artistic Director for the Asante Art Institute of Indianapolis. Inspired by the legendary Nina Simone, her artistic practice blends activism and soul into a captivating, multi-sensory experience, reflecting her dedication to social justice and cultural progress. Nina Simone's words, “An artist's duty…is to reflect the times,” informs PsyWrn's artistic theory and praxis.  About the Indiana Repertory Theatre: Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful. https://www.irtlive.com/ 

Welcome to the Green Room Meditations Podcast, presented by the Indiana Repertory Theatre and hosted by Devon Ginn. Today, we are in conversation with: Talleri McRae! As the author of The National Disability Theatre Handbook, Talleri is a powerhouse in the world of theatre, disability advocacy, and inclusion. Join us as we delve into her perspectives on shifting perceptions of disability, the power of collaborative efforts, and the importance of language in fostering a more inclusive theatre community.    From her base in Louisville, KY, Talleri shares insights gained over a decade of collaboration with theatres and educators across the nation. As a theatre artist, educator, disability scholar, and access/inclusion specialist, Talleri has been a driving force in initiatives that challenge norms and champion accessibility in the American Theatre. Discover how her work is transforming the accessibility landscape one theatre at a time.  About the Indiana Repertory Theatre: Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful. https://www.irtlive.com/ 

Welcome to the Green Room Meditations Podcast, presented by the Indiana Repertory Theatre and hosted by Devon Ginn. Today, we are in conversation with: Priscilla Lindsay. In this episode, we sit down with the illustrious Priscilla, who is directing the beloved Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol for our 51st Season. Priscilla's decades-long tenure at the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) has left an indelible mark. From actress to director and Associate Artistic Director, Priscilla shares her journey, offering insights into her love for the stage and the profound impact of A Christmas Carol on her theatrical odyssey. As Priscilla finds respite in a well-deserved retirement from the University of Michigan, we uncover how she continues to channel her passion into creative pursuits. From recent directorial and acting projects to cherished memories of past performances at the IRT, Priscilla provides a glimpse into the life of an artist whose dedication to storytelling remains unwavering. The episode culminates in a heartfelt discussion about Priscilla's hopes for the future of the IRT and her reflections on the evolving landscape of the American Theatre. Join us on this captivating journey as we celebrate Priscilla Lindsay's contributions to the world of theatre, exploring the magic behind the curtain and the enduring impact of a life dedicated to the art of storytelling. About the Indiana Repertory Theatre: Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful. https://www.irtlive.com/     

Welcome to the Green Room Meditations Podcast, presented by the Indiana Repertory Theatre and hosted by Devon Ginn.  Today, we are in conversation with: Carey Wong. He is currently serving as Senic Designer for IRT's season opener, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Carey has worked for over 45 years as a stage designer and arts administrator in the United States, Canada, and abroad.  He has designed sets and/or costumes for over 300 productions of operas, plays, musicals, and ballets, as well as art installations and themed environments.  Currently a freelance designer and theatre consultant based in Gig Harbor, Washington, he began his career as General Production Manger and Resident Designer of Portland Opera for eight seasons.  This was followed by two seasons as Artistic Administrator and Resident Designer at Opera Memphis.  While at Portland Opera, Mr. Wong designed sets and costumes for 12 new productions including the American premiere of Ernst Krenek's LIFE OF ORESTES (in an English translation by the composer commissioned for the premiere), the world premiere of Bernard Herrmann's WUTHERING HEIGHTS, and a rare staging of Carl Maria von Weber's DER FREISCHÜTZ.  Three of his Portland productions were shared by Seattle Opera.   https://www.careywong.com/    About the Indiana Repertory Theatre: Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful. https://www.irtlive.com/ 

Welcome to the Second Season of the Green Room Meditations Podcast, presented by the Indiana Repertory Theatre and hosted by Devon Ginn. On this episode we - Recap the First Season with podcast host Devon Ginn End with a guided meditation geared toward theatre-makers About Devon Ginn: Devon Ginn serves as the Director of Inclusion and Community Partnerships at the Indiana Repertory Theatre and serves as a board member for BlackSpace Urbanist Collective and the Indiana Writers Center. This Indianapolis native was awarded fellowships with Americans for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts/ Indiana Arts Commission, and the Indy Arts Council. Ginn is a 200-hour yoga and meditation teacher, a sound alchemist with Mind Melt Soundscapes, and a published poet. As a freelance teaching artist, Devon travels from state to state, implementing his performance poetry and creative writing workshops. Deliberately collaborating with institutions and thought leaders at the forefront of liberation, Ginn examines the psygeographies of the built environment through the lens of joy and mindfulness. As a writer, nonprofit administrator, and performance artist, his work reflects all his learned and unlearned experiences.  About the Indiana Repertory Theatre: Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful.

Welcome to the Green Room Meditations Podcast, presented by the Indiana Repertory Theatre and hosted by Devon Ginn. Tune in to hear from IRT's incoming Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director, Benjamin Hanna, as we talk about his hopes for the IRT under his leadership and discuss the 51st Season.  For our season finale, we are in conversation with: Benjamin Hanna (he/him) who begins his tenure as Indiana Repertory Theatre's newest Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director. A director, curator, and avid arts educator, Ben's passion for multigenerational theatre and dedication to equity and access fuels his investment in Indianapolis' community to generate art for–and with–all. As IRT's Associate Artistic Director for the past five years, his recognizable impact on the organization is unmistakable. Hanna inaugurated IRT's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access initiatives for the Board, staff, and community collaborators, directed many acclaimed productions, including Fahrenheit 451, The Book Club Play, and the farcical thriller Clue, evolved season selection and casting processes, and ensured IRT's quick pivot to virtual programming during the pandemic, allowing patrons to remain connected and engaged.   Before the IRT, Hanna's career spanned the country with tenures at the Tony-Award winning theatres Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis (the nation's largest theatre for young audiences) and Berkeley Repertory Theatre.  In his native Minnesota, Hanna served on the staff at the Penumbra Theatre Company, the nation's leading African American theatre, where he expanded education and community engagement programming. Hanna is the recipient of many distinguished awards for both arts and leadership, including a Theatre Communications Group Leadership University Award funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Richard O Morris Award for Exemplary Staff Service at the Indiana Repertory Theatre, and the Trailblazer Award from University High School in Carmel, Indiana. Hanna is also currently a member of the Class of XLVI in the Stanley K. Lacy (SKL) Executive Leadership Series for Leadership Indianapolis. About the Indiana Repertory Theatre: Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful. https://www.irtlive.com/ 

Welcome to the Green Room Meditations Podcast, presented by the Indiana Repertory Theatre and hosted by Devon Ginn.  Today, we are in conversation with: Eric Sharp (he/him). Mr. Sharp portrays Mr. Green in the Indiana Repertory Theatre's production of Clue! If you missed the Indianapolis run, you can catch our co-production with Syracuse Stage from June 7th - 25th in 2023.   Eric is an actor, writer, and director based in Minneapolis with over 20 years of professional stage and screen experience. Commercial and voiceover clients include Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Independent Lens, Penguin Random House Audio, Best Buy, Mayo Clinic, Target, and more. He has appeared onstage nationally and internationally at the Guthrie Theater, Ten Thousand Things, The Jungle Theater, Mixed Blood Theatre, Alliance Theatre, and the Minnesota, Toronto, and Edinburgh Fringe Festivals. Eric played Mowgli in The Jungle Book at Children's Theatre Company, and the young Dalai Lama on multiple tours of TigerLion Arts' The Buddha Prince. An Associate Artist at Theater Mu, Eric wrote and starred in the world premiere of Middle Brother, and has appeared in Cambodian Rock Band, Hot Asian Doctor Husband, Two Mile Hollow, Twelfth Night, Charles Francis Chan, Jr..., Yellow Fever and many more. He recently directed the educational video series The Remix with Theater Mu (available on YouTube), and created and produced the audio series: You Shall Hear Me: Stories from Beyond. He serves as curator for AKOA (All Kinds of Awesome): a live storytelling event featuring true stories from the international adoptee community.   www.worksharp.org About the Indiana Repertory Theatre: Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful. https://www.irtlive.com/ 

Welcome to the Green Room Meditations Podcast, presented by the Indiana Repertory Theatre and hosted by Devon Ginn. Tune in to hear from IRT's outgoing Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director, Janet Allen, as we talk about her tenure and recap the 50th Season.  Today, we are in conversation with: Janet Allen. After a forty-year career at the Indiana Repertory Theatre, Janet Allen will retire from her position as the Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director on June 30, 2023, after the 2022–2023 Season. Allen's final season will also be the IRT's 50th Anniversary Season, resulting in a union of celebration, reflection, and anticipation for the future. Janet Allen started with the IRT in 1980 as the IRT's Dramaturg/Literary Manager shortly after the organization moved to its current location in the Indiana Theatre. After a few years, Allen moved to New York City and then returned in the late 1980s as the Associate Artistic Director. After a decade in that role, Allen was promoted to Artistic Director in 1996 and has led the organization artistically and as the Co-CEO for more than 25 years. About the Indiana Repertory Theatre: Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful. https://www.irtlive.com/ 

Welcome to the Green Room Meditations Podcast, presented by the Indiana Repertory Theatre and hosted by Devon Ginn. Today, we are in conversation with: Tracy Michelle Arnold. Tracy stars in the Indiana Repertory Theatre's one-woman show titled Shakespeare's Will. Tracy holds an MFA in Acting from Northern Illinois University and has been a proud member of Actors Equity Association since 1990. Tracy has served as a company member of American Players in beautiful Spring Green, Wisconsin, where favorite roles include Cleopatra in Antony & Cleopatra, Olivia in Twelfth Night, Lady Macbeth in Macbeth, Regan in King Lear and Charlotta in The Cherry Orchard. This season marks Tracy's 23rd year with APT, which fills her to the brim with gratitude and joy. At American Players Theatre, she has met the best of friends, the most talented of companions, the dearest of husbands, and the most extraordinary group of characters to inhabit. From Cleo to Kate, Jacques to Iachimo, Blanche DuBois to Linda Loman, each has broadened her capacity to understand and admire the human condition in all its wondrous complexity. She has been blessed to work in many fine theatres, Asolo Rep, Indiana Repertory Theatre, the Goodman Theatre, Forward Theater, Northlight, Writers, and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre among them. She makes her home here in Spring Green with her family.   About Shakespeare's Will: In Shakespeare's Will, the story of William Shakespeare's wife Anne Hathaway takes center stage. Anne has been cloaked in silence and invisibility, and now she tells her side of the story, full of love and loss, secrets and sacrifices. Inspired by what little we know about her, this witty and imaginative play creates a surprisingly modern portrait of a proudly imperfect wife and mother. Arnold conveys all of it, playing numerous characters - including Anne's husband, father, children and sister-in-law - while changing emotions in the blink of an eye. From carefree flirt to haunted widow. From tender mother of three to sex-starved lover of many. From terror-stricken plague refugee to joyous chronicler of nature's beauty. With a nod toward Anne's own slim inheritance, Arnold is given only a bed, table and chair - as well as a long scarf that embodies everything from a newborn to an ocean - to tell her story. It's more than enough for Arnold, who rises above a few moments where the script sags - and who is no more willing than Anne to be bound by a man's words, whether poetic or testamentary. Shakespeare's Will is on stage at the Indiana Repertory Theatre until April 16th. Click here for tickets: https://bit.ly/3nCWctf  About the Indiana Repertory Theatre: Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful.

Welcome to the Green Room Meditations Podcast, presented by the Indiana Repertory Theatre and hosted by Devon Ginn. Today, we are in conversation with: James Still. James is a two-time TCG-Pew Charitable Trusts' National Theatre Artist and an elected member of the National Theatre Conference. He is also the Indiana Repertory Theatre's first-ever playwright in residence. James has written many plays, and his award-winning works have been produced throughout the world.  Learn more about his work here: www.wikiwand.com/en/James_Still_(playwright)  About the Indiana Repertory Theatre: Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful. https://www.irtlive.com/ 

Welcome to the Green Room Meditations Podcast, presented by the Indiana Repertory Theatre and hosted by Devon Ginn. Today, we are in conversation with: LaKesha Lorene. This talented actress, vocalist, film producer and director works locally and regionally on screen and stage. Some of her past credits include, The Kennedy Honors, The Color Purple Musical, Barbecue, The Fourth Degree, the award winning films Earth Cry, 5 Hours to Georgia, and most recently stared as Sophie in Flyin' West here at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. LaKesha is also the proud Founder and CEO of the entertainment production company Loving Life Productions LLC, Founder and Chair of the Naptown African American Theatre Collective Inc., producer for Naptown Narratives, and company member of the Indianapolis Shakespeare Company. Learn more about LaKesha here: www.lakeshalorene.com About the Indiana Repertory Theatre: Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful. https://www.irtlive.com/ 

Welcome to the Green Room Meditations Podcast, presented by the Indiana Repertory Theatre and hosted by Devon Ginn.   About Tamara Winfrey-Harris: Tamara Winfrey-Harris is a writer who specializes in the ever-evolving space where current events, politics and pop culture intersect with race and gender. She says, “I want to tell the stories of Black women and girls, and deliver the truth to all those folks who got us twisted—tangled up in racist and sexist lies. I want my writing to advocate for my sisters. We are better than alright. We are amazing.” Tamara is the author of two books: The Sisters Are Alright: Changing the Broken Narrative of Black Women in America (Berrett-Koehler Publishers 2015) and Dear Black Girl: Letters From Your Sisters On Stepping Into Your Power (Berrett-Koehler Publishers 2021). The award-winning Sisters, now in its second edition, has been optioned by Wise Entertainment and Gabrielle Union's production company I'll Have Another to be turned into a dramedy for television.  Tamara's work has been published in media outlets, including including The New York Times, The Atlantic, Cosmopolitan, New York Magazine and The Los Angeles Times. And her essays appear in The Lemonade Reader: Beyonce, Black Feminism and Spirituality (Routledge, 2019); The Burden: African Americans and the Enduring Impact of Slavery (Wayne State University Press, 2018); Black in the Middle: An Anthology of the Black Midwest (Black Belt Publishing, 2020); and other books. Tamara is co-founder of Centering Sisters, LLC, an organization that unapologetically addresses the needs and issues of Black women and girls; and the Black Women's Writing Society, a monthly virtual space for Black femme creatives. She is also a certified yoga teacher who focuses her work on the healing and well-bring of her sisters. Tamara is a native of Gary, IN, and a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc. She graduated with a BA degree from the Greenlee School of Journalism at Iowa State University.   About the Indiana Repertory Theatre: Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful. https://www.irtlive.com/ 

Welcome to the Green Room Meditations Podcast, presented by the Indiana Repertory Theatre and hosted by Devon Ginn.   About Pearl Cleage: Pearl Cleage is an Atlanta based writer whose work has won commercial acceptance and critical praise in several genres. An award winning playwright whose Flyin' West was the most produced new play in the country in 1994, Pearl is also a best selling author whose first novel, What Looks Like Crazy On An Ordinary Day, was an Oprah Book Club pick and spent nine weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Her subsequent novels have been consistant best sellers and perennial book club favorites. I Wish I Had A Red Dress, her second novel, won multiple book club awards in 2001. Some Things I Never Thought I'd Do was a “Good Morning America!” book club pick in 2003, and Babylon Sisters made the ESSENCE Magazine best seller list in 2005. Her most recent novel, Baby Brother's Blues, was the first pick of the new ESSENCE Book Club and an NAACP Image Award winner for fiction in 2007. In the March 2007 issue of ESSENCE, Pearl had two books on the best seller list, Baby Brother's Blues and We Speak Your Names, a poetic celebration commissioned by Oprah Winfrey and co-authored with her husband, writer Zaron W. Burnett, Jr. The poem was also an NAACP Image Award nominee in 2007. Pearl was a popular columnist with The Atlanta Tribune for ten years and has contributed as a free lance writer to ESSENCE, Ms., Rap Pages, VIBE and Ebony. Her recent play, A Song for Coretta, played to sold out audiences during its Atlanta premiere in February of 2007 and was produced at Atlanta's Seven Stages Theatre in February of 2008 before a national tour. Pearl is married to Zaron W. Burnett, Jr., with whom she frequently collaborates. She has one daughter, Deignan, and two grandchildren, Chloe and Michael.   About the Indiana Repertory Theatre: Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful. https://www.irtlive.com/ 

Welcome to the Green Room Meditations Podcast, presented by the Indiana Repertory Theatre and hosted by Devon Ginn. On this episode we - Introduce podcast host Devon Ginn Set up the context for what listeners can expect from future episodes Participate in a brief breath work exercise About Devon Ginn: Devon Ginn serves as the Director of Inclusion and Community Partnerships at the Indiana Repertory Theatre and serves as a board member for BlackSpace Urbanist Collective and the Indiana Writers Center. This Indianapolis native was awarded fellowships with Americans for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts/ Indiana Arts Commission, and the Indy Arts Council. Ginn is a 200-hour yoga and meditation teacher, a sound alchemist with Mind Melt Soundscapes, and a published poet. As a freelance teaching artist, Devon travels from state to state, implementing his performance poetry and creative writing workshops. Deliberately collaborating with institutions and thought leaders at the forefront of liberation, Ginn examines the psygeographies of the built environment through the lens of joy and mindfulness. As a writer, nonprofit administrator, and performance artist, his work reflects all his learned and unlearned experiences.  About the Indiana Repertory Theatre: Founded in 1971, the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is the largest professional not-for-profit theatre in the state and one of the leading regional theatres in the country. The mission of the Indiana Repertory Theatre is to produce top-quality, professional theatre and related activities, providing experiences that will engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain people throughout their lifetimes, helping us build a vital and vibrant community. Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA): The IRT strives to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to providing access for all; to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, and respectful.