Michael Yawney, FIU Theatre Associate Professor, has been elected President of the South Florida Theatre League.
The South Florida Theatre League is an alliance of theatrical organizations and professionals dedicated to nurturing, promoting, and advocating for the growth and prestige of the South Florida theatre industry.
“Theatre, ultimately, is about community,” says Yawney. “Whether it’s the audience of people who come together just for two hours to watch a play or a team of designers and actors and stage management who come together to create a production, it’s always about building community relationships. The Theatre League creates a community of artists and administrators who are trying to give a gift to the larger community of South Florida – really trying to give them something that just makes life better.”
As Yawney assumes office, he aims to promote diversity and inclusion, as well as assist the institutions and individuals of the South Florida Theatre League with career development workshops and other programming that assists artists in developing their craft. Additionally, Yawney hopes to help theatre institutions in South Florida make better use of technology to build communities and market themselves.
Yawney’s interest and focus on diversity and inclusion can be traced to his work at FIU. He has worked with FIU’s Office to Advance Women, Equity & Diversity (AWED). He views diversity as a major challenge facing the field today.
Yawney says he has the same goals for FIU Theatre and the South Florida theatre community. “Often, artists segregate themselves. At FIU and in the larger community, I want to see everyone work together. I want us all to truly recognize each others value so that we can break down barriers.”
Yawney also believes the Theatre League provides great benefits for FIU students. Aside from receiving a 50% discount on membership, students receive access to the weekly newsletter that includes a plethora of audition and employment opportunities as well as internship possibilities and discounts on theatre tickets across South Florida.
For more information on the South Florida Theatre League, visit their website here.
For more information on FIU Theatre, visit our website here. Additionally, join us for our latest production, Red Velvet by Lolita Chakrabarti opening on November 15, 2019 and running through November 24, 2019.