The stars are sure to align for WAM Theatre’s Claiming Her Place benefit on Sunday, June 30 at 7:00 pm. Celebrities like Lauren Ambrose (Six Feet Under) and Debra Jo Rupp (That ’70s Show) will gather to discuss the challenges women face in the entertainment industry at a lively panel discussion hosted by Tony nominee Jayne Atkinson. The evening also includes a sneak preview of WAM’s fall production, Emilie: La Marquise Du Chatelet Defends Her Life Tonight. To celebrate the occasion, we’re reaching out to WAM supporters and community leaders for their thoughts on the subject of “claiming your place.” Kicking off the series is WAM co-founder and artistic director Kristen van Ginhoven.
Kristen, how do you define claiming your place?
Standing comfortably and confidently where you are. Believing fully you have a right to be where you are.
Can you tell me about a time when you claimed your place in your profession?
I remember a time I had a job that I was not happy in because what I really wanted to be doing was professional theatre. I finally had the guts to quit the job which, with continued hard work, led to an opportunity in the theatre, which is truly the right place for me to be.
What fictional, historical, or current public figure do you admire for her ability to stand up for herself?
There are so many! I really look up to women who find ways to stand comfortably and confidently in who they are, foibles and all, and those who persist in doing their thing regardless of any–and sometimes there are many–obstacles in their way! Taking action to turn oppression into opportunity. The most recent public figure that reflects that for me is Fawzia Koofi, Afghan politician and women’s rights activist.
What advice would you give to women who are just starting to establish themselves in their careers on how to claim their places confidently?
Educate yourself, read, read, read, be patient and sit at the table. One foot in front of the other. Never give up.
Is there a quote–from a song, movie, book, poem, TV show, etc.–that seems relevant to the subject of claiming your place and facing challenges in your working life?
Just do it : )