HOLA Applauds Washington, D.C.’s Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Diversity Inclusion Efforts

PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
For immediate release, please

Contact: Manny Alfaro/María F. Nieto
(212) 253-1015 • holagram@hellohola.org

HOLA Applauds Washington, D.C.’s
Shakespeare Theatre Company’s
Diversity Inclusion Efforts

Washington D.C.’s Shakespeare Theatre Company holds New York-based auditions for HOLA members in response to recent criticism of its recently closed production of
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

New York, New York, U.S.-- The Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors (HOLA) is pleased to announce that Washington D.C.’s Shakespeare Theatre Company (STC) recently held auditions in New York City exclusively for HOLA members. The company auditioned 45 Latino actors for possible roles in its upcoming season of productions. The opportunity afforded to HOLA members was made possible by HOLA’s advocacy efforts in the wake of recent criticisms surrounding that company’s production of Much Ado About Nothing (which was set in 1930s Cuba).

HOLA applauds the company’s good faith efforts to address the need for greater diversity within its productions. In response to criticisms surrounding its recent production of Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare Theatre Company took immediate action by working with HOLA, the nation’s longest running active arts service and advocacy organization for Latino actors. The auditions stand as a testament to their desire to lead a meaningful effort for greater inclusion of minority actors within its ranks. “We had a wonderful afternoon of auditions with the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors. It was a privilege to meet and audition so many talented actors, most of whom we hadn’t met before. We look forward to continuing our relationship with HOLA in the future,” stated Alan Paul, Associate Director of Shakespeare Theatre Company.

“HOLA is heartened to witness this esteemed theatre company’s desire to truly address the issue of diversity. We are proud of the talented and highly trained actors that fill HOLA’s ranks and are confident that Shakespeare Theatre Company now has a roster of Latino actors to choose from for any future productions. Opportunities such as these are a direct result of HOLA’s mission and we are proud to have found an ally in that mission in this leading national theatre company,” stated Manny Alfaro, Executive Director of HOLA.

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