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Jewish Joy and "Artivism" with Mara Jill Herman


jewish-artist

What happens when your identity gets you typed out of the very stories you were born to tell?


This episode is a powerful, layered conversation with performer, producer, and “artivist” Mara Jill Herman... and it’s one that stayed with me long after we stopped recording. 



Mara’s work lives at the intersection of art and advocacy. She’s an award-winning producer, a proud Jewish artist, and a passionate advocate for inclusion, accessibility, and truth-telling in the arts. And in this episode, she shares what it’s like to fight for visibility, not just for herself, but for entire communities whose stories often go unseen or misunderstood on stage.


We discuss what it means to be a Jewish artist today, the painful reality of being perceived as “too Jewish” or “not Jewish enough” in casting rooms, and the groundbreaking work Mara is doing to bring multicultural Jewish identity, disability awareness, and comedy-driven advocacy into the spotlight.

 

From producing Stronger Than Hate in response to the Tree of Life shooting, to creating Comedians Talk Antisemitism, Mara’s path is a masterclass in what it looks like to use your voice, even when the world tells you to quiet down.

 

If you’ve ever wondered how to blend your art with activism, or what to do when your own story doesn’t seem to “fit”—this one is for you. 


Here's what we cover:

  • What “artivism” really means (and how Mara lives it out)

  • The painful impact of being typed out of your own identity

  • Why nuance matters when it comes to casting Jewish roles

  • The importance of multicultural representation in Jewish storytelling

  • The real-time rise in antisemitism—and what artists can do about it

  • Why Mara brought comedy and activism together on one stage

  • How a rabbi consultant transformed a Fiddler on the Roof production

  • What theater leaders can learn from asking better questions

  • The story behind a viral accessibility project and how it reached Forbes


This episode is full of truth, joy, and resistance, and a reminder that inclusion doesn’t just mean being seen. It means being understood.


I hope this conversation inspires you to listen more closely, ask more questions, and continue showing up boldly, fully, and unapologetically.


Thanks for listening and for caring about this work.

jewish-artist-in-theater


More About Mara Jill Herman

Mara is a performer and award-winning executive producer. As the owner of MJH Creative, she helps artists and entrepreneurs increase visibility for their work. Winner of 50+ grants and a nominee for Z3 Jewish Bridge Builder Award and Best Supporting Performer in a Musical, BroadwayWorld Houston for Fruma Sarah in "Fiddler on the Roof." Mara connects people to each other and big ideas. Her mission is to fight anti-semitism, advocate for gender parity, and protect human rights.



Links & Mentioned Resources


Connect with Mara


Connect with Kira


Thanks for joining me on this episode of Inclusive Stages! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help me reach even more theater makers, theater artists, and theater lovers who want to make our industry a better place for everyone.


Thanks to our music composer, Zachary McConnell, and our producer, Leah Bryant.


More about the Inclusive STAGES Podcast


Inclusive STAGES™ Building Healthy Arts Spaces is the podcast for theater makers, creatives, and arts leaders who believe we can build a better industry—one brave, emotionally intelligent, and trauma-informed space at a time. Hosted by Kira Troilo, founder of Art & Soul Consulting, each episode explores what it really takes to create inclusive, healthy creative environments in today’s rapidly changing performing arts landscape.


Whether you're a theater artist, an arts administrator, an educator, a creative leader, or a producer, this show will help you answer big questions like:


What is inclusive leadership in the arts, and how do I practice it?


How can performing arts organizations promote diversity and inclusion?


What does “representation matters” mean in theater and beyond?


How can venues make performances more accessible?


What tools do I need to lead with care—and still make bold, brilliant work?


Through honest conversations, industry insights, and practical tools, Inclusive STAGES™ empowers you to reduce burnout, dismantle harmful norms, and build the kinds of creative spaces where everyone can thrive.


New episodes every week. Follow now and join the movement toward healthier, more sustainable arts spaces. 

 
 
 

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