Every week, there are many conversations involving our industry — new shows in development, scholarship opportunities, virtual events, discussions about Broadway’s reopening, and more! Sometimes it can be too much to keep track of week after week so my team and I have decided to share the top 5 news articles each week to help you stay in the know!!

From an In The Heights new trailer and new book to Mayor de Blasio’s big Broadway announcement, here’s what TheaterMakers were talking about this week . . .

1 – In the Heights Debuts Energy-Filled Trailer Celebrating Latinx Culture

After waiting 96,000 weeks . . . the wait is finally over. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s adaptation of his Tony-nominated musical “In the Heights,” directed by Jon M. Chu will deliver on its promise of celebrating Latinx culture in New York City when it hits theaters and HBO Max on June 18. Did you know Lin-Manuel Miranda is coming out with a new book, In The Heights, Finding Home? Pre-order here and grab your copy before June 22!

Read more: variety.com 

2 – The Directors Company Announces Inaugural Next Wave Initiative Winners

Announced last year, the initiative seeks to amplify new Black voices in theatre, with space for writers, directors, actors, and dancers. Douglas Lyons and The Directors Company has announced the inaugural slate of winners of their Next Wave Initiative scholarships, each of which will receive financial scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,959 to support undergraduate or MFA education. 

Read more: playbill.com

3 – ‘Multi-Level Chess’: After A Dark Year, Broadway’s Recovery Is Finally Underway

It’s been a year since the live entertainment industry went dark, and the fallout has been catastrophic. Hundreds of venues have closed permanently. In New York alone, Broadway’s shutdown left a hole in the economy. Now, after the darkest year in its history, American theater is seeing a reason to hope. The path ahead remains precarious, with many unanswered questions about safety, economics, and equity, but it’s no longer the bleak vista it was even a month ago.

Read more: forbes.com 

4 –  What It Will Take for New York Theater to Come Back as the Industry and Community It Professes to Be

“What we do in the remaining downtime of this shutdown will determine the health and future of the industry.” Ruthie Fierberg, the former Executive Editor of Features for Playbill, has broken down the various parts of what has been done and perhaps what should be done before the curtains rise again. A lot of insights and challenges, which is what great reporting is all about!  

Read more: ruthiefierberg.com

5 – NYC Mayor De Blasio Announces Plans for Sites to Vaccinate Theatre Workers; Plans to Re-Open Broadway This Fall

“Start spreading the news!” New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio spoke live from City Hall on March 25, 2021, to announce his plans to start vaccinating theatermakers. Click to watch my Sondheim-y response to this announcement here. 

Read & watch more: broadwayworld.com 

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