December 11, 2022—I am excited to share with the readers of Arts & Culture Connections about the new opportunities available for producing and investing in Broadway productions that feature the underrepresented narratives of people of color and members of marginalized communities. This diversity and inclusion initiative was launched earlier this month by The Industry Standard Group (TISG), and it is called Second Act Theatrical Capital (2ATC).

TISG is breaking open the gates of commercial producing, with the goal of making the playing field equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible to the creative voices that are often ignored. Launched in 2020, the co-founders joined together based on their shared affinity and common experience of often being the only collaborator of color in many of Broadway’s producing rooms.

TISG is seeking to foster change by not only re-imagining the pathways to decision-making levels of theater-making, but by also creating opportunities for supporters to invest in these productions. They believe the future of theater-making can only be secure when it also factors in who gets the chance to be a stakeholder in commercial theater.

As of December 2022, 2ATC’s doors are open to public investors. The investment company is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and is utilizing Regulation Crowdfunding (Regulation CF) to allow both accredited and non-accredited investors to become stakeholders. This means investment opportunities are open to all people. The minimum investment is $500.

TISG is operating 2ATC on an equitable fund model with major decisions of the funds’ involvement on projects determined by its membership. You can learn more about 2ATC at this link, which includes a recording of TISG’s Town Hall where 2ATC was discussed. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) also can be found on that page.

Toni Israel, who is a former Managing Director of my company, Walker International Communications Group, is one of the cofounders of this bold and dynamic association. Since its inception, TISG has already broadened the landscape for producers of color on Broadway. But to expand their vision, they recognized that they needed broader support from the community at-large.

I asked Toni about her expectations for this new effort. She said: “Broadway has always been the epicenter of theatrical entertainment in NYC. One of my core values is celebrating diversity and inclusion through art, and it has been my overall objective to highlight and magnify these voices. We understood that forming 2ATC could and would be a catalyst for inclusion—a catalyst for change—within the Broadway community.”

The road to change requires that we all put some “skin in the game.” I urge you to learn more about 2ATC at this link and decide how you will help open the doors to people of color and members of marginalized communities for commercial producing opportunities on Broadway.

As always, I would like to know what you think. I invite you to share your thoughts and comments below.