Family Matters: Rachel Spencer Hewitt on the Power of Parent and Caregiver Artists

The Smartist Podcast

In this episode, Smartistry founder Melissa Peck interviews award-winning advocate, thought leader, and actor Rachel Spencer Hewitt. Rachel holds an MFA in acting from the Yale school of drama and her professional acting repertoire includes Broadway, off-Broadway, extensive regional work, international theater, feature films and more! Rachel is also the founder of PAAL, a national resource hub, community and solution generator for parents in the arts and the institutions that support them. PAAL has been mentioned in numerous publications, such as New York Times, the American Theater Magazine, HowlRound Theater Commons, and notably, the recently published book From Aphra Behn to Fun Home: A Cultural History of Feminist Theater. In this episode we discuss the many challenges of being a parent and caregiver in the arts industry. Rachel shares insights about the advocacy work needed, including both standing up for oneself and creating more inclusion in creative spaces, specifically in the performing arts. We also chat about feminism in the industry, centering the experiences of marginalized groups, and PAAL's experience with a “power sharing” business model. Rachel also talks about how PAAL is empowering parents and caregivers with their free resources such as the PAAL Handbook for organizations. For more information go to paaltheatre.com

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