Ain’t Too Proud Panel Discussion

Kira Troilo (she/her), author of the e-book “Black Hair is Hair“,  Kira is a Boston-based creative, the CEO and founder of Art & Soul Consulting, and the creator and founder of Inclusive Stages. A BFA graduate from Emerson College, Kira also holds an HR Essentials certificate from eCornell and is set to be a member of the 2024 ACOM cohort through American Repertory Theatre at Harvard University. She was also recently awarded the distinguished Community Impact Award for SpeakEasy Stage Company’s 2024 gala. Kira’s groundbreaking EDI work was recently featured in American Theatre Magazine. Kira’s consulting work for dozens of organizations has taken her both nationally and internationally. In summer of 2023, she provided tailored support for the world premiere of “Summer Stock: The Musical” at Goodspeed Opera House, starring Corbin Bleu. In the winter of 2024, she provided tailored support for Something Rotten! at Stratford Festival in Canada. 

Learn more about her e-book,  “Black Hair is Hair” below!

The entertainment industry is facing a critical challenge when it comes to equity and inclusion, and one of the most overlooked aspects is hair. Introducing “‘Black Hair’ Is Hair: An Entertainment Industry Guide to Understanding, Budgeting For & Working With Textured Hair.” This comprehensive e-book is designed to fill the knowledge gaps that are causing confusion, a lack of empowerment and exclusion in production spaces across the nation.

There is no other guide like this for theater and entertainment — and it’s available now.

This is more than an educational resource; it’s a tool for real, meaningful change in your production space. Grab your copy today and lead the way in creating more inclusive, artist-centered spaces.

Perri Sylvester is the wardrobe manager for The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory. She enjoys teaching costume design classes at the conservatory, costume designing for the Youth Acting Company, acting as wardrobe manager for THT Rep shows, The Nutcracker, and Youth Ballet Company productions, as well as being the costume manager for the Youth Summer Program. In her free time, she is a metalsmith and jewelry designer, and has taught jewelry workshops for the local community via El Salon, a collective for BIPOC artists and creatives.  She is currently designing for the Clothes Not 4 Sale fundraising event put on by the Safe Exit Initiative, an organization focusing on creating safe and sustainable exits from exploitation and the sex trade. 

MarHadoo Effeh is an actor and arts activist, based in the New England area. MarHadoo has worked on several theatrical and film productions. Her most recent work being Tituba in The Hanover Theatre Repertory’s production of  The Crucible. MarHadoo uses her artistry as activism, coordinating and uplifting arts education initiatives in underserved communities with organizations like Company One Theatre in Boston, and The Grow Hope Foundation based in her hometown of Brockton. It is a blessing to be able to share compelling stories that also entertain and advocate for socioeconomic justice, equality, inclusion, and equity for underrepresented people. MarHadoo wants to encourage everyone to practice more grace, empathy, and build across with love and gratitude. POWER IS PEOPLE, TOGETHER WE ARE POWERFUL!