“I accepted a tenure-track position and taught for nearly seven years at a public university with a majority BIPOC student body, and moreover, a significant percentage of underprivileged students, first-generation college students, and DACA recipients. It was saddening, then, to see students immersed in a theatre-making culture which reinforced damaging, self-sacrificing practices… unpaid sessions occurring during class hours, throughout the night… The spirit of volunteerism can be fiery and wonderful, but for many – especially for young BIPOC artists – the approach ultimately discourages engaging theatre as a meaningful profession. The exploitation begins early.”