The inspiration behind Kaleidoscope was The Color Cabaret, a show I produced during my senior year. Propelled by a desire to create opportunities to showcase performers of color, I got together with some of my peers to put together a one-night-only performance that took place in the Duderstadt Video Studio at the University of Michigan on February 1 and 2. The show was structured chronologically and transported the audience through a rough timeline of the history of people of color in musical theatre, spotlighting significant events and performers. Producing the show was an EXTENSIVE process that involved interviewing for our rehearsal space (and successfully securing it!), selecting material and tracking down sheet music, doing historical research, scheduling rehearsals, assembling a band, choreographing & directing numbers, and putting together the tech elements of the production. 

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Along with The Color Cabaret, I fundraised to bring guest artist and acclaimed performer Baayork Lee to our campus for a masterclass. I was inspired by her pioneering efforts as a female producer/director/choreographer in an industry dominated by Caucasian males, and I thought it would be beneficial for our department to learn more about her work. 

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The entire process for The Color Cabaret was hugely gratifying in showing me just how important it was for people of color to be allowed to take center-stage and tell stories written by, for, and about them. The whole weekend was a massive success, meaning that ALL of that work and stress paid off. I wanted to devote a section of my site to share the experience, as I feel it best puts into practice and demonstrates the sheer power of being a performer of color and the endless possibilities that can happen if you set your mind to something and make space for it to happen! 

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More videos coming soon!