The “Belonging on Broadway” series celebrates the diverse voices, perspectives, and identities that make up the rich tapestry of Broadway by amplifying cultural heritage months that take place throughout the year. Each story, each voice, contributes to the beautiful community that is Broadway, and these commemorations underscore the significance of everyone feeling a sense of belonging, of being seen and heard. Through this series, we aim to educate, inform, and elevate all voices within the Broadway community.
“I am a first-generation Arab-American, born to Jordanian immigrants who instilled in me a fierce work ethic and excitement for life,” says Executive Vice President at @serinocoyne Diana Salameh. “I love seeing MENA/SWANA theater artists in roles that aren’t specific to their heritage; Sonya Tayeh winning the Tony Award for Best Choreography for @moulinrougebway, Ali Louis Bourzgui being cast as Orpheus in @hadestown, David Yazbek writing the score for @deadoutlawmusical.”
“As a kid, I wanted nothing more than to blend in. As an adult, I want nothing more than to bring my full, authentic self to everything I do. To anyone aspiring to work in theatre, I wish nothing more than for you to be proud of who you are and where you come from. Yalla, let’s go! You are welcome here.”
In recognition of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Heritage Month/Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) Heritage Month, we’re highlighting the contributions of members of the MENA/SWANA community in leadership, management, and creative roles, showcasing how they are shaping and influencing the future of the Broadway industry.
#MENAHeritage #SWANAHeritage #BelongingOnBroadway
📸: @jennyandersonphoto, @emiliomadrid, and @rebeccajmichelson
Apr 23
“Art is how we seek and find understanding as human beings in this world,” says Business Operations Director for @octopustheatricals and Executive Director of @noortheatre Ariana Sarfarazi, “and MENA/SWANA communities need recognition of our mutual humanity. As an Iranian-American, I’ve often had to forge my career without knowing one other person with my cultural background who does what I do. I now feel an enormous responsibility to nurture and inspire greater MENA/SWANA representation in the theatre industry. We need numerous MENA/SWANA artists and professionals to tell our stories and to advocate for our communities both on stage and off. This, of course, includes exploration of our pain, but also of our joy, our wisdom, our humor, our love, and our beauty, too. More stories mean more nuance, more layers, more depth, and more understanding of our communities, and with greater understanding brings greater connection, which I believe is the entire point of art.”
This Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Heritage Month/Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) Heritage Month, we’re proud to spotlight MENA/SWANA leaders, creatives, and changemakers who are shaping the future of Broadway.
#MENAHeritage #SWANAHeritage #BelongingOnBroadway
Apr 16
“I’m really heartened whenever I see Arab people integrated into any aspect of the industry — whether in front or behind the scenes,” says Marie Bshara, Vice President of Client Relations at @omdkc. “Representation for me is much less about the stories we tell onstage and more about the people we empower to help tell them. I bring my Arab-American heritage to everything I do, whether or not I’m promoting a show with an Arab storyline or centered around Arab characters. As nice as it was to hear about MENA heritage month, for me that’s every month!”
This Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Heritage Month/Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) Heritage Month, we’re proud to spotlight MENA/SWANA leaders, creatives, and changemakers who are shaping the future of Broadway.
#MENAHeritage #SWANAHeritage #BelongingOnBroadway
Apr 7
Happy #BlackHistoryMonth! This year, we’re highlighting Broadway fellowship programs that create opportunities for the Black community in historically underrepresented areas.
Former @blacktheatrecoalition fellow and @thisisseaview producing fellow Devyn Itula said, “I’ve been really fortunate to spend the last year at Seaview as their producing fellow working on shows such as @goodnightgoodluckbway, @thelastfiveyears, and @romeojulietnyc.
Shortly after joining the team, a reading came under my purview, and while I had so much trepidation, the team could not have been more amazing. They knew—before I knew it myself—that I could succeed. They gave me the space and responsibility to lead while also reminding me that I had their support if I needed it.
I cannot fathom what my professional life would look like without the tireless work of the BTC team and my team at Seaview. One day I hope to give back in the same way and foster genuine relationships across different facets of the theatre industry.”
Feb 20
Happy #BlackHistoryMonth! This year, we’re highlighting Broadway fellowship programs that create opportunities for the Black community in historically underrepresented areas.
Former @blacktheatrecoalition and @hellskitchenbway Fellow and Assistant Choreographer of @awonderfulworldbway Nasha Harris Santiago said, “I’ve been lucky enough to work with predominantly Black creative teams with Black leaders at the forefront like @camilleabrown and @rickeytripp, and I’ve witnessed first-hand the absolute importance of having Black voices in leadership positions.” Nasha is now the Associate Choreographer for “3 Summers of Lincoln” at La Jolla Playhouse and credits her Broadway fellowships for where she is today.
For aspiring fellows, she gives this encouragement: “Network network network! Be kind, be brave, and never give up on yourself. Fear kills more dreams than failure ever will. Trust, wait, and embrace the uncertainty because what is meant for you will be yours.”
Feb 12
Happy #BlackHistoryMonth! This month, we’re spotlighting Broadway fellowship programs that create opportunities for Black professionals in historically underrepresented areas.
Alexander Robertson, Creative Producer and former @tpoc_bway fellow, shared: “TPOC empowers the next generation of BIPOC producers through education, training, and mentorship. It has had a lasting impact on my career and my understanding of building community through theatre.”
His advice to current or aspiring fellows: “Lead with purpose and stay curious. Anchor yourself in your ‘why,’ be open to learning, and never underestimate the power of persistence!”
Feb 1
Throughout the past year we’ve celebrated the diversity of the Broadway community in our #BelongingOnBroadway series, and we look forward to doing the same in 2025! Take a look back at some of the Broadway community members we spoke with last year in this special year-in-review video 💫
Jan 15
In honor of the 36th anniversary of #WorldAIDSDay, we celebrate the incredible leadership of Tom Viola and the work of @bcefa in the fight against HIV/AIDS. For 36 years, thanks to the steadfast support of the theatre community - those onstage, backstage and in the audience - Broadway Cares awarded over $300 million to help provide meals and medication, health care and hope to those living with HIV/AIDS. In partnership with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, we uplift the memory of those lost to HIV/AIDS while honoring those surviving.
We asked Tom about the role of Broadway Cares in shaping and supporting the Broadway community: ”Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS sprung from the heart of the Broadway community at a time of crisis, devastating heartbreak, fear and anger at the height of the AIDS epidemic in 1988. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is committed to providing outreach, assistance and hope across Broadway and beyond.” ❤️
#BroadwayCares #WorldAIDSDay2024 #HIVAIDSAwareness
📷: Kevin Thomas Garcia
Dec 1
Join us in celebrating #NationalNativeAmericanHeritageMonth with a special reflection from @thetonyawards nominee Sky Lakota-Lynch, who is currently on Broadway in @outsidersmusical.
“My culture has shaped my creative process by trying to break the old Hollywood image of what Native Americans look like and can be. I carry my tribe and my grandparents in my heart with everything I do.”
Happy National Native American Heritage Month! ⭐ #BelongingonBroadway
📸: Jenny Anderson
Nov 1
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month! 🎉 This month, we celebrate and reflect on the incredible contributions of disabled artists, both on stage and behind the scenes.
Sarah Kenny (@sarahkenny), Senior Manager of Education, Access, and Inclusion at @disneyonbroadway, and Anthony Michael Lopez (@flittergaggot), who is performing in @ourtownbroadway, share their insights on the importance of hiring disabled artists in all areas of theatre. From expanding access to fostering inclusion, they remind us why it’s vital to continue uplifting and supporting disabled artists on and off stage. 🌟
Happy #NationalDisabilityEmploymentAwarenessMonth! #BelongingonBroadway 🎉
Oct 2
In celebration of #HispanicHeritageMonth, we’re excited to share inspiring words from esteemed Broadway professionals on the impact of embracing the rich and vibrant cultural heritage of Latiné and Hispanic communities on Broadway!
At the launch of ¡VIVA! BROADWAY: ayer, hoy y mañana, a new special exhibit at the @museumofbroadway, Sergio Trujillo, Gabriela Carrillo, Camille Labrador, and Didi Romero reflect on the impact of visibility, representation, and the celebration of Latiné and Hispanic stories. Together, they highlight how we can continue to uplift this beautiful culture both on and off the stage. 🎶💃🏽
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month 🎊 #BelongingonBroadway
Sep 18
In celebration of the 34th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we sat down with Senior Manager of Education, Access, and Inclusion at @disneyonbroadway Sarah Kenny and @camelotonbroadway and @ourtownbroadway performer Anthony Michael Lopez to reflect on the significance of this month, what it means to them, and the necessity of upholding the work toward greater inclusion and the advancement of access and equal rights for disabled people.
Happy #DisabilityPrideMonth! #BelongingonBroadway #ADA34 🎉
Jul 26
In celebration of #PrideMonth we are reflecting on the inspiring words of @theebillyporter who was honored with the Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award for his extraordinary contributions as an activist for the LGBTQ+ community.
During his acceptance speech at the 77th @thetonyawards, Billy Porter reflected on his early activism as an openly gay actor in the 1980s, emphasizing the importance of fighting for equal rights for all and the transformative power of love.
“Love always wins. It takes time, it takes grace, it takes hope, it takes patience, it takes loving kindness and compassion. And we win. When we fight, we always win.” Watch the full speech at YouTube.com/tonyawards.
Happy Pride!! #BelongingonBroadway
Jun 22
In celebration of #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth, we are reflecting on @alexedelman’s one-man show, "Just For Us", that delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the Jewish experience with humor and heart. Edelman is among the honorees being presented with a Special Tony Award for his work.
Happy Jewish American Heritage Month! ⭐ #BelongingonBroadway #JAHM
📸: Matthew Murphy
May 24
Join us in celebrating #AAPIHeritageMonth with a special reflection from @thehelenpark, who made history as the first Asian female composer to receive a @thetonyawards-nomination for her work on KPOP:
“My heritage is an integral part of my identity and it profoundly shapes my creative process. Growing up within both Korean and American cultures, I experienced firsthand the stark contrast between external perceptions and underlying realities. I’ve discovered that musical theatre, in particular, has a remarkable ability to bridge these gaps. This, paired with the realization that we are all humans in the end, has ignited a deep passion in me to tell universal stories and bring people together through my work.”
Happy Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month!⭐ #BelongingOnBroadway
📸: Anthony Behar (1) and Matthew Murphy (2-3)
May 20
Happy Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Heritage Month/Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) Heritage Month! Dive into this captivating conversation with the cast of the US National Tour of @kiterunnerbway as they reflect on their experiences and on the significance of this month, the impact that representation has had on their career, and what it means to be taking The Kite Runner across America. ✨#MENAHeritage #SWANAHeritage #BelongingonBroadway
🎥 In order of appearance:
Awesta Zarif @awestaz
Sophie Zmorrod @sophiezmorrod
Wiley Naman Strasser @wileywhy
Apr 16
Students from across New York City spent a magical week with Disney Theatrical Group learning from Broadway professionals about the career opportunities available on Broadway. To learn more about the Broadway League’s High School Broadway Shadowing Program, visit diversity.broadway ✨
Apr 11
In part two of our conversation with inspiring women at The Broadway League for #WomensHistoryMonth listen as they share some insightful career advice for aspiring theatre professionals. ✨
🎥 In order of appearance:
Katherine Daugherty-Smillie, Manager of Labor Relations
Titi Obi, Senior Staff Accountant
Charlotte Campbell, Membership & Professional Development Associate
Rachel Brandt, Contract Analyst, Labor Relations
Join us in celebrating Women’s History Month and visit careers.broadway to learn more about opportunities in the Broadway industry. #BelongingonBroadway
Mar 26
In celebration of #WomensHistoryMonth we spoke with remarkable women at The Broadway League. In part one, hear their thoughts on what this month means to them and some of the trailblazing women that have inspired them throughout their careers. ✨
Join us in celebrating Women’s History Month and visit careers.broadway to learn more about opportunities in the Broadway industry. #BelongingonBroadway
🎥 In order of appearance:
Olivia Grace, Receptionist & Office Administrative Associate
Katherine Daugherty-Smillie, Manager of Labor Relations
Charlotte Campbell, Membership & Professional Development Associate
Titi Obi, Senior Staff Accountant
Rachel Oakes, Manager of Education Programs
Maura Cuddihy, Design and Technology Associate
Rachel Brandt, Contract Analyst, Labor Relations
Blaire Townshend, Assistant Director of Membership Services & Professional Development
Mar 26
🌟 Reflecting on a Year of Cultural Heritage Celebrations! 🎉✨
Join us as we reflect on “Belonging on Broadway.” This series celebrates the diverse voices, perspectives, and identities that make up the rich tapestry of Broadway by amplifying cultural heritage celebrations that take place throughout the year. 🙌🏽❤️ From #BlackHistoryMonth to #AsianAmericanPacificIslanderHeritageMonth, #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth and so many more we are reminded of the significance of these cultural heritage celebrations and the diverse collection of voices and stories that make up Broadway. Each story, each voice, contributes to the beautiful community that is Broadway, and these commemorations underscore the significance of everyone feeling a sense of belonging, of being seen and heard. As we explore new stories of #BelongingOnBroadway this year, we invite you to tell us what “belonging on Broadway” means to you.
Jan 19
