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 Can We Learn from the Montessori Way
Most theatermakers care about inclusion, but what does it really take to build spaces that center healing, agency, and belonging?
Educator and consultant Maati Wafford joins me to explore how the Montessori method, mental health, and DEI work intersect, and what the arts can learn from this powerful approach. We explore the role of adult accountability, the power of prepared environments, and why curiosity (not control) is the key to real change.
With a sweet cameo from my son Levi, this episode is both practical and deeply personal.
Enjoy the episode, friends!
Grab resources, see the full show notes, and more at
https://www.inclusivestages.com/post/what-can-we-learn-from-the-montessori-way
Connect with Kira:
@kiratroilo
@artandsoulconsulting
@inclusivestages
"'Black Hair'" Is Hair: An Entertainment Industry Guide
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Thanks to our music composer, Zachary McConnell, and our producer, Leah Bryant.