KENNESAW, Ga. | Sep 17, 2024

Amanda Wansa Morgan wrote the book on women in theater. Literally.

The result of a yearslong effort, the Kennesaw State University associate professor of theatre and performance studies saw her vision come to fruition last year in the form of a book titled “Conversations with Women in Musical Theatre Leadership,” a compilation of 15 interviews with women leaders at the Broadway level.

She originally drew inspiration for the project while serving as a music assistant for a production at Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre. Morgan recalled being struck by conversations she shared with two women she grew to admire.

“As I got to know about their journeys, I kept thinking, ‘Wow, I wish I’d known that when I was younger,’” she said. “It was then I realized I should compile their thoughts in a book.”

In addition to her time as a professor, Morgan has also worked consistently in the theater as a musical director, an actor, a composer and as a director—on both sides of the table, in theater parlance. In conducting the interviews, Morgan said she realized she was not alone in her experiences since entering the world of professional theater in 2009.

“I interviewed women specifically because of my identity and some of the challenges I've faced in leadership for being the only woman in the room and having to feel different things in different ways,” she said.

Morgan notes, however, that progress has been made to support women in the performing arts. More women write, direct and produce stage productions, and the standards for women both on and off the stage have improved, too. Morgan said she and her peers are committed to continuing this upward trajectory.

“There's been a lot of progress in how women are treated in the industry, not only based on beauty standards and expectations of storytelling for women and women's bodies, but also women and leadership,” she said. “And it’s only going to get better.”

– Story by Dave Shelles

Photos by Matt Yung

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.