Diversity Statement

Musical theater is a universal language; therefore, CLOC makes every attempt to practice color- and culture- conscious story telling while maintaining the integrity of the works.  Consequently, we actively seek to recruit company and staff who represent the diversity of society, inclusive of all experiences.  With different minds and different bodies we will create outstanding productions.

The mission of the DEI task force is to make recommendations to CLOC so the company will become a leader in diversity, equity and inclusion in the theater arts by training diverse company members in all aspects of performance, production and theatre arts administration.

Goals:

  • To expand the racial and ethnic diversity of CLOC company members, staff, and board
  • To employ inclusive recruiting practices by expanding the network of colleges and universities who send students to CLOC for training
  • To create an equitable and inclusive environment for training in musical theater

Members (in alphabetical order by last name):

  • Marie Younger Blackburn: Marie is the Host- Moderator of “Conversations That Matter” a panel discussion that explores Race, Diversity, and Inclusion. Marie is also the Visionary and Event Planner of Driven Cape Cod's Conference for Women. She was the former Chef De Partie at CLOC for several seasons.
  • Beth Burrier: Beth is Associate Artistic Director, and Principal Conductor of CLOC. Currently she is an Associate Professor and the Head of Musical Theatre at Manhattanville College in Purchase New York.   Beth has taught Music Theatre History, Music Theory, Acting the Song, Audition Technique, Voice and Piano. National tours include RENT, The Full Monty, and Beehive the Sixties Musical. 
  • David Cantor: David is a proud alum of the CLOC vocal company (1972-1977) and now serves as Treasurer on the CLOC Board of Trustees. He has worked as a professional actor for the past 40-plus years.
  • Marissa Gonzales: Marissa spent six seasons at CLOC, holding the positions of Box Office Treasurer (2007-2008), Publicity Director (2009), Work Director (2012-2013), and Chef (2014). Though Broadway is currently shut down, she serves as the Marketing Associate for WICKED on Broadway. Marissa is an avid cookie and cake decorator.
  • Kristin Knutson: Kristin is Production Manager and Technical Director for CLOC, as well as CLOC's COVID-19 Safety Officer.  She was recruited to the Staff last year by board member Scott Pinkney and her first season with the company was Digital CLOC 2020.  She is currently a masters student at Emerson College in Theatre Education.  Previously, she worked for the American Repertory Theatre scene shop (2006-2019) and spent her final months there serving as Interim Technical Director before quitting to pursue graduate school.
  • Alison Morooney: Alison has been a stage director at CLOC since 2017. She graduated with a BFA in musical theatre in 20212 and is currently pursuing her MFA in directing at Penn State University.
  • Joan McDonald: Joan is General Manager of CLOC
  • Rae Nishi: Rae is the Chair of this Task Force and is a retired neuroscientist who is a year round resident in Falmouth.  Previous to retirement, she was an executive (Director of Education) at the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) where she was also a member of the Woods Hole Diversity Advisory Committee.  Prior to arriving at MBL, she was a tenured full professor of neurological sciences and founding director of the Neuroscience Graduate Program at the University of Vermont. She has enjoyed a number of CLOC performances as a member of the audience.
  • Mark Pearson: Mark is Executive/ Artistic Director of CLOC
  • Alisha Sheth: Alisha is a recent graduate of NYU's Classical Vocal Performance Program, and joined CLOC for their 2019 and 2020 summer seasons as a member of the vocal company. She loved her time at CLOC, both in person and virtual. She has joined the DEI committee so CLOC can reach more students like her as well as create an environment they feel welcomed and safe in.