Inclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts Spaces
Inclusive STAGES™ is the podcast for theater makers, creatives, and arts leaders who believe we can build a better industry—one brave, emotionally intelligent, and trauma-informed space at a time. Hosted by Kira Troilo, founder of Art & Soul Consulting, each episode explores what it really takes to create inclusive, healthy creative environments in today’s rapidly changing performing arts landscape.
Whether you're a theater artist, an arts administrator, an educator, a creative leader, or a producer, this show will help you answer big questions like:
What is inclusive leadership in the arts, and how do I practice it?
How can performing arts organizations promote diversity and inclusion?
What does “representation matters” mean in theater and beyond?
How can venues make performances more accessible?
What tools do I need to lead with care—and still make bold, brilliant work?
Through honest conversations, industry insights, and practical tools, Inclusive STAGES™ empowers you to reduce burnout, dismantle harmful norms, and build the kinds of creative spaces where everyone can thrive.
New episodes every week. Follow now and join the movement toward healthier, more sustainable arts spaces.
Inclusive STAGES: Building Healthy Arts Spaces
What Are Trauma-Informed Creative Spaces? w/ Dr. Jackman
Most theater companies want to support their artists, but many are missing the mark without realizing it.
What does it actually mean to create psychologically safe spaces in the arts?
There’s a powerful case to be made for prioritizing artists’ mental health—not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it strengthens the work. When we center psychological safety in our rehearsal rooms, everyone benefits.
Dr. Charmain Jackman, part of the Inclusive STAGES program team, joins me for this vital conversation to share more about trauma-informed practices, the emotional toll of performance, and what it really takes to build sustainable spaces in the arts that center wellbeing. From “deroling” techniques to the generational mistrust surrounding mental health care, this episode is packed with insights every arts leader should hear.
Enjoy the show, friends!
**Please note that this episode mentions sexual assault and suicide, which may be sensitive for some listeners**
Grab all the links and resources mentioned in this episode at
https://www.inclusivestages.com/post/what-are-trauma-informed-creative-spaces-with-dr-jackman
Connect with Dr. Charmain Jackman:
Website
InnoPsych IG
LinkedIn
@askdrcharmain
Connect with Kira:
@kiratroilo
@artandsoulconsulting
@inclusivestages
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Thanks to our music composer, Zachary McConnell, and our producer, Leah Bryant.