Should we RETHINK THEATER? A conversation with Ansa Akyea

In this episode of the Propellant podcast, Ansa Akyea takes us into his journey in the theater world, sharing insights on the power and tools available to actors and creatives today. He reflects on his diverse background, having moved frequently due to his father’s work with UNICEF, and how this experience shaped his ability to connect with different environments and people. Ansa emphasizes the importance of collaboration in theater, recounting his education and early career experiences. He also discusses the necessity of having a professional ego to navigate the challenges of the industry and the cultural crisis arising from inadequate preparation for diversity and inclusion in the arts.

About Ansa Akyea:

Ansa  is a distinguished actor, producer, and teaching artist, known for his exceptional contributions to theater in the Minnesota theater scene (*second largest theater market in the nation). With an MFA from the University of Iowa and extensive experience on both stage and screen, Ansa has performed at prestigious institutions such as the Guthrie and Mixed Blood Theaters. Ansa is the recipient of the Minnesota Playwright Center's McKnight Award for Acting, City Pages Best Actor award, the Minnesota Playwright Center's Many Voices Fellowship, and an Ivey award for the Guthrie Theater's production of Clybourne Park. When he’s not on the stage, Ansa is also the lead facilitator and coach at The Woke Coach, where he works at the intersection of social justice, race, and culture, utilizing his extensive experience to promote equity and inclusion through education and advocacy.