Launch of Firebrand Theatre Provides New Opportunities for Women

Harmony France�and�Danni Smith, Co-Artistic Directors, are pleased to announce the launch of�Firebrand Theatre, the first musical theatre company committed to employing and empowering women by expanding opportunities on and off the stage. The company will focus on equal representation of women and men by seeking out female talent in all aspects of production, from the crew, to the artistic team, to the actors on stage.�Firebrand Theatre's productions will expand the traditional roles of women in musical theatre by reimagining classics, producing unknown gems and commissioning new works.
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"When Danni and I first had the idea to create Firebrand, I searched online for musical theatre companies with�like-minded missions. I found nothing," said Co-Artistic Director�Harmony France. "That�brought it�home how crucial it is that we�launch this company. There is a void in our�industry, with more�actresses than�actors, yet fewer roles�for�women. There are also statistically more women than men in our�audiences.�Yet, most musicals are directed by men,�cast with mostly men, with stories about�men. Not only do we feel a moral�obligation to illuminate�female artists in roles that empower them, but�also a need to tailor productions to the�largest�demographic of theatergoers."

France�(Co-Artistic Director) is the founding Artistic Director�of Blue Moon Studio Theater, Casting Director at�Bailiwick Chicago and a teaching artist at Actor's�Training Center.

Adds Co-Artistic Director�Danni Smith, "For me, Firebrand is an opportunity to be a part of�the process in a new way. I love acting and always will. But�what I find so exciting is the chance to be a part of creating�a safe space where theatre artists are empowered to make�thoughtful, powerful, truthful musical theatre. To celebrate�the incredible artistry of the women in this community and�create more work to showcase them is thrilling and, frankly,�necessary." � �
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Smith�is a Chicago-based actor for the last�ten years. She has been honored with four Jeff�Awards and seven nominations. Credits include�work with Paramount Theatre, Marriott Theatre, American Theater Company, Chicago Children's�Theatre, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Porchlight Music�Theatre, Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, Bailiwick�Chicago,�Bohemian Theatre Ensemble, Waltzing Mechanics, Illinois�Shakespeare Festival and Lakeside Shakespeare.�

Chicago's newest Equity company will present its first production in March 2017, with a full season to be announced shortly. In the coming months,�Firebrand Theatre�will focus on fundraising, including an�Indiegogo campaign.
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Firebrand Theatre is a musical theatre company committed to employing and empowering women by expanding their opportunities on and off the stage.

For more information, visit firebrandtheatre.org.�