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Kent State University has called off plans for students to put on the classic musical West Side Story. The move came amid complaints, reported in Kent Wired, a student publication, that Latino students who tried out for parts were upset to see them go to white actors. A spokeswoman said via email to Inside Higher Ed, "The director of the School of Theater and Dance chose a different musical, Children of Eden, and recast the students who auditioned into this production. So there is still a fall musical for our students to showcase their talents. The change was in response to our community members’ voices and the national dialogue regarding the desire for authenticity on our stages. To be current and culturally engaged, the School of Theater and Dance supports the progression of conscious casting in the American theater today."
