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A famous Broadway composer just banned North Carolina from performing any of his shows.

The North Carolinians trying to take down their state's new anti-LGBT "bathroom law" just got a huge assist from Stephen Schwartz, the composer and lyricist of the Broadway smash-hit "Wicked."

I got you. GIF from "Wicked."

The law, which was passed in response to Charlotte's LGBT nondiscrimination ordinance, revokes that statute and forces transgender people to use the bathroom that corresponds to their sex as assigned at birth.

Schwartz, who also wrote music and lyrics for "Pippin" and "Godspell," has declared his entire catalog off-limits to theaters in the state until the law is repealed.


Stephen Schwartz. Photo by Rommel Demano/Getty Images.

He's also urging his fellow Broadway writers and producers to join him.

...and it's pretty hard to argue with the case he makes in a letter obtained by BroadwayWorld.com:

"To my fellow theatre writers and producers: As you no doubt know, the state of North Carolina has recently passed a reprehensible and discriminatory law. I feel that it is very important that any state that passes such a law suffer economic and cultural consequences, partly because it is deserved and partly to discourage other states from following suit.

Therefore, I and my collaborators are acting to deny the right to any theatre or organization based in North Carolina to produce any of our shows. We have informed our licensing organizations and touring producers of this, and I'm happy to say have met with compliance and approval from them.

In the 1970s, I, along with many other writers and artists, participated in a similar action against apartheid in South Africa, and as you know, this eventually proved to be very effective.

If you are in agreement, you may want to join me in refusing to license our properties to, or permit productions of our work by, theaters and organizations in North Carolina until this heinous legislation is repealed.

Thank you for considering this,

Stephen Schwartz"

Schwartz is far from alone in his plans to boycott the state now that HB2 is law.

Dozens of furniture buyers have announced plans to skip the High Point Market, a biannual trade show that brings more than $5 billion in revenue into North Carolina.

PepsiCo is one of a number of companies that have spoken out against the law. Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images.

In addition, many businesses that have large footprints in the state, including American Airlines, Lowe's, and PayPal, have spoken out against the law. On Saturday, The Charlotte Observer reported that the CEO of PepsiCo had contacted Governor Pat McCrory to call for the law's repeal.

One thing's for sure: The North Carolina state legislators who passed the law are getting more than they bargained for.

...including a well-deserved kiss-off from witches of Oz:

GIF from "Wicked."

And like Glinda (Galinda?), a lot of North Carolinians couldn't be happier.

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Prudential
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Meet the 18-year-old advocating for teen mental health, one inspiring podcast at a time

All images provided by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

Collins after being selected by Prudential Emerging Visionaries

True

A changemaker is anyone who takes creative action to solve an ongoing problem—be it in one’s own community or throughout the world.

And when it comes to creating positive change, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective can hold just as much power as years of experience. That’s why, every year, Prudential Emerging Visionaries celebrates young people for their innovative solutions to financial and societal challenges in their communities.

This national program awards 25 young leaders (ages 14-18) up to $15,000 to devote to their passion projects. Additionally, winners receive a trip to Prudential’s headquarters in Newark, New Jersey, where they receive coaching, skills development, and networking opportunities with mentors to help take their innovative solutions to the next level.

For 18-year-old Sydnie Collins, one of the 2023 winners, this meant being able to take her podcast, “Perfect Timing,” to the next level.

Since 2020, the Maryland-based teen has provided a safe platform that promotes youth positivity by giving young people the space to celebrate their achievements and combat mental health stigmas. The idea came during the height of Covid-19, when Collins recalled social media “becoming a dark space flooded with news,” which greatly affected her own anxiety and depression.

Knowing that she couldn’t be the only one feeling this way, “Perfect Timing” seemed like a valuable way to give back to her community. Over the course of 109 episodes, Collins has interviewed a wide range of guests—from other young influencers to celebrities, from innovators to nonprofit leaders—all to remind Gen Z that “their dreams are tangible.”

That mission statement has since evolved beyond creating inspiring content and has expanded to hosting events and speaking publicly at summits and workshops. One of Collins’ favorite moments so far has been raising $7,000 to take 200 underserved girls to see “The Little Mermaid” on its opening weekend, to “let them know they are enough” and that there’s an “older sister” in their corner.

Of course, as with most new projects, funding for “Perfect Timing” has come entirely out of Collins’ pocket. Thankfully, the funding she earned from being selected as a Prudential Emerging Visionary is going toward upgraded recording equipment, the support of expert producers, and skill-building classes to help her become a better host and public speaker. She’ll even be able to lease an office space that allows for a live audience.

Plus, after meeting with the 24 other Prudential Emerging Visionaries and her Prudential employee coach, who is helping her develop specific action steps to connect with her target audience, Collins has more confidence in a “grander path” for her work.

“I learned that my network could extend to multiple spaces beyond my realm of podcasting and journalism when industry leaders are willing to share their expertise, time, and financial support,” she told Upworthy. “It only takes one person to change, and two people to expand that change.”

Prudential Emerging Visionaries is currently seeking applicants for 2024. Winners may receive up to $15,000 in awards and an all-expenses-paid trip to Prudential’s headquarters with a parent or guardian, as well as ongoing coaching and skills development to grow their projects.

If you or someone you know between the ages of 14 -18 not only displays a bold vision for the future but is taking action to bring that vision to life, click here to learn more. Applications are due by Nov. 2, 2023.
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