Area Guide Spotlight: Seeding Equity

Please tell us about Seeding Equity?

Seeding Equity is a Madison non-profit on a mission to provide students from historically marginalized communities access to performing arts events and theater technology training: the seeds from which participation in the arts grow.

Seeding Equity believes that art is good for the soul. Art is healing. Art helps builds community. Art is about possibilities. But for many, there are economic barriers to attending the performing arts that limit these possibilities or put them out of reach for many people.

We believe that every student should have access to these possibilities, regardless of their family's income level, and we work with arts organizations, schools, and community groups to create opportunities for students who might not otherwise be exposed to the transformational magic of theater and other performing arts.

Give us a brief history of Seeding Equity.

Seeding Equity was born from a confluence of experiences I've had working professionally in technical theater for three decades, including many years working part-time with high school theater programs.

Probably the most formative experience was hearing my daughter tell me that she was not given equal opportunities to learn about, and do work in, different technical theater departments (carpentry, lighting, etc.) in her high school drama program simply because she was a girl.

To date, 100% of all donated funds have been used for direct programming costs. We have no personnel costs and, as the founder, I have been taking care of all overhead/administrative costs.

Our most impressive accomplishment, to date, was putting together a last-minute opportunity for students from Lussier Community Education Center to see Hamilton, in NYC, including a backstage tour and the opportunity to stand on the stage (in the room where it happened) and meet members of the cast and crew (in August of 2024).

Are there any upcoming Seeding Equity events happening yet this summer?

We're excited to be working with One City Schools on another trip to APT for OCS students and their families to see As You Like It!

What do you love about being a part of the Wisconsin arts community?

I live and breathe theater. It's my job AND my passion. How lucky am I??

I started my professional career at American Players Theatre, so I'm doubly fortunate to be working with these great people, again. I miss making sawdust and focusing lights, but I'm thrilled to be able to work with passionate brilliant caring professionals to help make paths like the one I was so fortunate to find available for students, now, who might not even know such paths existed.

Why should the APT audience consider supporting Seeding Equity, and how can they be involved?

We can't do the work that we do without financial support from wonderful donors like you. YOU can help transform lives through your generous donation of whatever amount is comfortable for you.

We are also looking to put together a board of directors in the next twelve months, so if you or anyone you know might be interested, please do let us know.

What's one thing everyone visiting the Spring Green area should do while they're in town?

Get thee to Arcadia bookstore! It's one of my absolute favorite things about living in Spring Green again!!!

Follow Seeding Equity's mission and upcoming events on social media.

Facebook: Seeding Equity