The YWCA’s Tribute to Women of Influence (TWIN) event honors women who have made significant contributions to their fields, and recognizes those organizations that support such achievements. 2012 marks the 21th anniversary of TWIN. Leading up to this year’s September 20th event at Pack Place & Diana Wortham Theatre, we will highlight each of our 20 incredible TWIN Honorees. If you would like more information about the TWIN event, or to reserve a ticket, please visit www.ywcaofasheville.org.
Stephanie Hickling Beckman
As an active member of Asheville’s theater community, Stephanie witnessed firsthand the lack of diversity in the shows being produces, actors appearing on stage, and people filling the audiences. In an effort to diversify theater arts in Asheville, Stephanie formed Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective, which produces shows that tackle racism, homophobia, gender issues, and other themes related to diversity. Different Strokes! also actively seeks to cast minorities in its shows and bring minority audiences to the theater.
Different Strokes! has already become an integral part of Asheville’s performing arts community, known for producing shows that are high in quality and content. Other area theater companies also turn to Stephanie and Different Strokes! for help in recruiting minority actors to their stages. Additionally, proceeds from the productions are donated to local non-profits, including Western North Carolina AIDS Project, Building Bridges, Youth OUTright, and the YWCA. None of this would be possible without Stephanie’s vision and dedication to “diversifying the arts…one show at a time.”
Way 2 go Stephanie !!