Experience the Art of Women in Science and on Broadway
Attend a virtual STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, Mathematics) series

Enjoy a unique Broadway experience exploring the intersection of science and art. This 3-part series is different than our usual WEST events in that we will watch Broadway stars perform and explore the parallels between artistic and scientific processes of creation and innovation. We have an opportunity to explore the challenges women face in their fields through the lens of Broadway performances. True to our mission to inspire, we will hear from compelling keynote speakers during each session.

Finding Your Voice through Creativity and Adversity

In this event, we will tap into our creativity to take a fresh look at the role success and adversity have in helping us step into our authentic selves as people and as professionals. Through which lens do we consider something a success? How do you change your perspective to see your failures as opportunities for learning? This session will allow participants to consider their own experiences as a narrative and to explore their intersectionality as a person, professional, and creative force.

Additionally, one lucky attendee drawn at random will win tickets to an arts organization in their town.

Keynote Speaker

Schele Williams is a Brooklyn-based director committed to cultivating new musicals and devised work. Upcoming projects include the revival of AIDA for Disney Theatrical Group, MANDELA: THE MUSICAL and INDIGO. She has directed at regional theatres and festivals across the country including NAMT, NYMTF and Theatreworks Palo Alto. Schele also re-conceived and directed the MOTOWN National Tour.

Passionate about pairing social justice with the arts, Schele is a founding member of Black Theatre United, an organization committed to dismantling systemic racism on our streets and stages. She has directed numerous Broadway events for social justice including The People's State of the Union (starring Common, Andra Day, John Legiuzamo, Amy Schumer and Wanda Sykes), Uprising of Love (starring Sting and Patti LuPone), Defying Inequality (starring Liza Minnelli and Ben Vereen, for which she received a New York City proclamation), and From Broadway to Bourbon Street a benefit for the victims of Hurricane Katrina (starring Bernadette Peters and David Hyde Pierce).

Schele is the director for the NYU Law School's Center of Diversity Inclusion and Belonging's bespoke plays for Fortune 500 companies. She also serves as Chairman of the Board for Broadway Inspirational Voices. Schele's children's book Your Legacy will be released in October.

Solo Broadway Performers:

Denise Summerford
“If You Knew My Story” from Bright Star
Music by Steve Martin & Edie Brickell
Lyrics by Edie Brickell

Denise Summerford has appeared on Broadway in such shows as Taboo, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Saturday Night Fever and Grease. She has played leading roles in the Broadway touring companies of Leader of the Pack, Grease, Company and The Who’s Tommy. Denise received a Drama Desk Award for her work in the hit a cappella musical In Transit and was also in the original cast of the Off Broadway musical Shout!. A dynamic singer, Denise has drawn praise from around the music scene with her series of solo concerts in and around NYC and can be heard on various voice-overs, jingles and recordings. She has sung with many national and international recording artists including Boy George, Sheena Easton, Deborah Gibson and the legendary Lou Christie and Leslie Gore. Denise is co-host of the morning show MORNINGS WITH JOHN AND DENISE on ENERGY 103.1 WJGK in NY and is the Founder and Creative Director of Broadway Arts Collective a performing arts training ground for young artists. Her favorite role to date is Mom to two incredible girls.

Jennifer Leigh Warren

Performing “Finishing the Hat” from Sunday in the Park with George
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Jennifer Leigh Warren is a critically acclaimed actress/singer lauded for her show-stopping Broadway performances as the original Alice's Daughter in Big River (singing "How Blest We Are" written for her by Roger Miller), the original Crystal in the Howard Ashman/Alan Menken hit Little Shop of Horrors, the original Lincoln Center cast of Marie Christine, and the Muse in the original Drama Desk Award nominated Lonesome Traveler. Full bio

Download the Series Flyer
Download the Event Flyer

Date and Time:
April 7, 2022
5:00-6:30 PM EST

Location:
Zoom

Cost:
Pay what you think is fair, 50% of registration income will be donated to two groups

25% will go to Latino STEM Alliance
25% will go to Black Theatre United

Given our mission is to promote women's development in STEM we would like to offer a free spot in our events to those in transition between jobs or who cannot afford the ticket price. Please contact [email protected] if you qualify.