Austen Howard

In collaboration with T2M creator and host Andrea O. Ojeda, I own the podcasts' social media presence end-to-end. From content creation and scheduling to audience communication. It's my job to share the stories of our guests with the world in a way that invites impactful conversations.

At AEA, Field Representatives serve two main functions: 1. travel out to workplaces in their assigned territory and meet with union members to learn how we can best serve them 2. Own the workplace safety evaluation and enforcement arm of the union While working for AEA, I spent about 60% of my year on the road conducting safety inspections and one-on-one conversations with members. These conversations informed not only my work around safety, but the work of my fellow staff members in departments responsible for contract negotiation and enforcement, member services, EDI, and more. The remaining 40% was spent working remotely to maintain safety documentation and data in CRM, resolve member safety issues through email and phone channels, consult on future negotiation priorities, create educational resources for members and employers to better understand safety regulations and best practices, create long-term plans for employers to improve working conditions in their venues, and contribute to furthering the union's national organizing goals. "I have had the privilege of working with Austen, and I can confidently say that they bring a rare combination of creativity, emotional intelligence, and steady leadership to everything they do. Austen is an exceptional communicator. They express ideas clearly, listen actively, and ensure that everyone involved feels heard and understood. Their creative thinking allows them to approach challenges from multiple angles, often finding solutions others may overlook. At the same time, Austen is a strong and thoughtful advocate. They stand firm in their values and consistently support others with integrity and care. What truly sets Austen apart is their resilience. In the face of adversity, they remain grounded, composed, and solution-oriented. Their ability to manage time and stress effectively allows them to perform at a high level without sacrificing empathy or collaboration." - Daimien Matherson, AEA Staffer

When I joined TQVoices in the spring of 2023, they were a small advocacy organization with large ambitions, dedicated leadership, a ton of community organizing experience, and no formal structure. In consultation with leadership, I wrote their Infection Control Policy and Policy Prohibiting Harassment and Discrimination. I also designed the enforcement mechanisms behind each of those policies. I co-created and co-moderated the TQVoices Discord community to connect volunteers and community members with the organization in a protected and accessible space and played a major role in creating the organization's volunteer outreach, recruitment, vetting, training and engagement processes. "Austen helped me build my organization, TQVoices, in the spring of 2023. Their support was instrumental in building the processes, documents and infrastructure we still use today." - Jade Runk, President of TQVoices

On the regional tour of Die Walkure, produced by Virginia Opera, I was one of two stage managers working under the Production Stage Manager. My duties included assisting in the training of our second stage manager, acting as deck captain, creating and maintaining production documentation, working with IATSE crew members to coordinate successful deck operations, calling performer entrances from the score, prop handoffs, and assisting with tour advance.

I took over for the last two weeks of rehearsal and the performance run of The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's outdoor production of Much Ado About Nothing when their rehearsal PSM left for another contract. I led a five person team consisting of myself, two Assistant Stage Managers and two interns. On top of the usual duties performed by a PSM (running rehearsal, coordinating communication between artistic and tech departments, meeting management, creation and maintenance of production documentation, schedule management, etc), outdoor theater brings an entirely separate set of considerations. There are additional union regulations, OSHA regulations, weather procedures, dressing room coordination, and on and on. Working with the SM team, theater management, other departments, the cast and our union representatives to navigate all of these challenges (especially in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic) was my responsibility during my two months with the production.

In the summer of 2022, the Trans Entertainment Guild produced an off-Broadway run of The Civility of Albert Cashier, which would be the first all-trans musical to play off-Broadway. The Artistic Director of TEG, Mika Kauffman, brought me on as the General Manager for the project. In addition to supporting the fundraising, budgeting, marketing, resource management and other administrative needs of the company, I owned a performance series which followed each show. The performance series highlighted local trans and gender nonconforming artists, speakers, educators and creatives. all of who brought something unique to the stage that required different tech elements, preparation and timelines. I sourced each of the guests, helped them develop programming, oversaw night-of logistics and trouble-shooting and handled donation collection and processing. "Austen played an integral role in bringing “Albert Cashier” to life. As our general manager, he oversaw all operations from administrative tasks to marketing management. Their dedication and care is what brought the production to fruition, especially in an environment comprised of an all-trans and gender expansive cast. They are my go-to person, because I know they will attend every detail with compassion in a trauma-informed and equitable space." - Mika Kauffman, Artistic Director of Trans Entertainment Guild & Director of the Civility of Albert Cashier

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