Parenting and Caregiving

Playwright Rachel Bonds reflects on being a working artist since the birth of her son, and maps out tips for theatres working with other parent-artists. 

Performer Stephanie Hayes reflects on how motherhood helped her reinvent her relationship to her own creativity.

Stage manager Carmelita Becnel reflects on the need to support mothers, women of color, and stage managers as creative collaborators in the rehearsal room.

Rachel Spencer Hewitt, PAAL founder, kicks off the parent advocacy in the arts series with an overview of the history of PAAL and a rationale for family-friendly practices in the theatre.

Rehana Lew Mirza and Mike Lew document their first year as parents and Playwrights-in-Residence at Ma-Yi. 

Catherine Trieschmann sets rules to govern her daily news consumption. 

Catherine Trieschmann attends a political rally, but has trouble not criticizing it through a theatrical lens.

Catherine Trieschmann on her children’s fears and the importance of Halloween.

Catherine Trieschmann coaches her daughter through the heartbreak of rejection from the school talent show.

In her latest installment, Catherine Trieschmann explores turning forty, leaky roofs, advice for parents on how to save money on childcare, and what to do when you’re working from home with your child.

Nothing stirs my blood quite like the soft knock of toe shoes on a wood floor during a piqué. And so I admit, I may have exhibited a little too much enthusiasm when Laura, four, expressed a passing interest in taking a ballet class this summer.

My feelings are more complicated than merely wishing my children would share my love of theater, however, because what I really want is for my children to love the theater, to appreciate all their access, but have absolutely no desire to pursue it as a career.

A couple of months ago, HowlRound hosted a discussion about parenting and theater on Twitter hashtag #newplay, and perhaps the most interesting question to emerge from the discussion was simply: "Should I bring my kid to rehearsal?"

Maybe it stems from the being a creative personality or being behind in writing projects, Catherine Trieschmann questions whether a renewal of occupation will uplift her creative stagnation.