Actor Yolanda Stange is Color-Full
BY YOLANDA STANGE
Yolanda's Plan-B Theatre credits include the world premieres of ODA MIGHT, ...OF COLOR, AFTERSHOCK, LOCAL COLOR, and, most recently, BITTER LEMON. A 2024 recipient of Salt Lake City’s Mayor’s Artist Award in the Performing Arts, Yolanda also appears regularly at Salt Lake Acting Company and in many a Hallmark movie.
When Jerry [Rapier, Plan-B's Artistic Director] told me I was the only actor that had been a part of 'Of Color' since its inception, it made me think of what we had to do to make it happen.
First, a meeting was put together [in 2017] where we could air our grievances. The fear was real and the anger was palpable. We even had a gate-crasher try to get in. But I kept my eye on Jerry. He listened, he empathized, he committed to change.
Though the night felt good being able to get things off my chest, I worried if I would ever work again.
But then I heard about the Theatre Artists of Color Writing Workshop where POCs were working on THEIR stories. I was like, "OK now. Go ahead, Plan-B."
The rumor mill was loud so I was aware of some folks who did not like that this was going on, but it didn't stop Plan-B. Before I knew I was cast in the first show [...OF COLOR, 2019], and the 2nd [LOCAL COLOR, 2021], and now the 3rd [FULL COLOR, 2024].
I have watched actors and writers grow from rushing to get the words out because this might be the one and only time they can, to relaxing and realizing "Of Color' is here and, as long as the audience keeps coming, it's here to stay.
The biggest and most important thing I've learned being a part of this series is that people DO change. With patience, people can learn new ways of being. I am so grateful for the actors, writers, production staff, stage managers, Cheryl [Managing Director & Resident Sound Designer], Jerry, and the Plan-B board for their bravery and commitment to hear ALL the different voices that make up this place we ALL call home.
FULL COLOR is the third installment of our Color Series. …OF COLOR (2019) and LOCAL COLOR (2021) featured fictional characters in fictional worlds, influenced by the playwrights’ personal experience. In FULL COLOR, each playwright writes in first person, combining writing acumen with personal experience.
TICKETS
FULL COLOR receives its world premiere October 24-November 10 Plan-B Theatre. Please click here for details and tickets.