APHRA BEHN AND THE GLASS CURTAIN
A Historical Examination of Gender Inequality in Professional Theatre
My research monograph, under contract with Routledge, examines the enduring importance of Aphra Behn, the first professional female playwright and arguably the first woman director, to the perennial issue of gender inequality in professional theatre. Through archival research and interviews with dozens of artists, including Joanne Akalaitis, Stephen Burdman, Karin Coonrod, Kyle Donnelly, and Rebecca Patterson, this study offers fresh feminist insights into the historical gender politics of professional playwriting and directing and suggests ways to bridge the gap that too often exists between (literary) academics and theatre practitioners.
RECENT GRANTS
Throughout my tenure as the Artistic Director of Thinking Cap Theatre, I have worked as a lead grant writer and project manager on a range of city, county, federal, and foundation grants.
The Importance of Being Me , 2022
This nationwide LGBTQ+ youth program, inspired by Oscar Wilde’s legacy of queer authenticity, invited youth artists ages 14-23 to submit dramatic and visual art on the theme of self-authenticity and self-affirmation. Beginning in August, twenty youth participants from 10 U.S. states attended a series of virtual workshops to ideate and develop their pieces, On October 23, 2022, during LGBTQ+ History Month, the youth enjoyed a culminating public performance, exhibit, and reception.
This program was made possible by grants from Our Fund Foundation and Broward County Sherrif’s Office, a sponsorship from World Aids Museum and Educational Center, and in-kind community partnerships with Equality Center at Pride Park, Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, Pridelines, Thou Art Woman, Transinclusive Group, TransSocial, Inc.
O Christmas Tree, 2022
This program explores the Florida Christmas Tree Farm industry through oral history captures and photo shoots with farmers; a podcast series; and an original play with music about a multicultural South Florida family that travels to a tree farm in the northern part of the state to experience selecting and cutting a tree to decorate. Select performances will be accompanied by community conversations with artists, Humanities scholars, and spiritual leaders.
This program was made possible by a Community Project Grant from the Florida Humanities.
Nicole Stodard 