Theatre for Young Audiences USA (TYA/USA)

“The study showed that productions for young audiences by POC playwrights nearly doubled in the last decade, but the overall total was still only 20% in the 2018/19 season. Moreover, TYA productions helmed by POC directors accounted for 15% of the 2018/19 season.”

RESEARCH PROJECT: Exploring the Landscape of Live Theatre for Young Audiences in the US

COVERAGE: 2018/19 Season (as compared to the 2008/9 Season)

RESEARCH PARTNERS: Theatre for Young Audiences USA, in partnership with Center for Scholars & Storytellers

Theatre for Young Audiences USA (TYA/USA) in partnership with the Center for Scholars & Storytellers (CSS) recently published the Exploring the Landscape of Live Theatre for Young Audiences in the US Report. Initiated last year by the leadership of TYA theatres across the country, the study was commissioned by TYA/USA to provide concrete data as a tool for meaningful change and accountability. Key findings demonstrate that the TYA industry has made strides for increased representation in terms of gender and race across the last decade, but racial diversity in live theatre for young people is not yet representative of the US population.

This landmark study offers the first-ever analysis of representation of gender and racial diversity of this scale to be conducted of the plays being produced for young audiences across the country, including the stories that are presented and the actors, playwrights, and directors who create them

FINDINGS: The study showed that productions for young audiences by POC playwrights nearly doubled in the last decade, but the overall total was still only 20% in the 2018/19 season. Moreover, TYA productions helmed by POC directors accounted for 15% of the 2018/19 season.