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 Brave Creative Spaces? (Using the STAGES Framework)
Most creative teams want to build inclusive environments, but without a clear process, things can fall apart quickly.
So, how do we move from intention to action?
In this episode, I’m walking you through the STAGES Framework—the six-step method I created through Art & Soul Consulting to help arts organizations build brave, resilient, and psychologically safe spaces. When artists feel supported, their work isn’t just safer—it’s better.
From setting the scene with clarity to striking with care, I’ll show you exactly how this framework transforms the creative process, step by step. I’ll also share how we used it in a real production of The Full Monty to navigate vulnerability, body shame, and bold storytelling with intention.
If you’re ready to create rehearsal rooms that support risk-taking, reduce burnout, and actually feel good to be in, this episode is for you.
Check out the full show notes and resources mentioned in this episode at
https://www.inclusivestages.com/post/what-are-brave-creative-spaces-using-the-stages-framework
Connect with Kira:
@kiratroilo
@artandsoulconsulting
@inclusivestages
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Thanks to our music composer, Zachary McConnell, and our producer, Leah Bryant.