Rita Moreno

Women Who Shaped Theater: Sarah Bernhardt to Audra McDonald

Theater has long been a space for storytelling, creativity, and performance. Yet, for much of history, women struggled to claim their rightful place on stage and behind the scenes. Despite these challenges, countless women have shaped the theatrical world, pushing boundaries and redefining the art form. In this post, we’ll explore the women who shaped theater: Sarah Bernhardt to Audra McDonald.

As a woman myself, I am always aware of women’s contribution to theater. In particular, I want to focus not only Sara and Audra, but also Lorraine Hansberry, Ethel Merman, Julie Taymor, Rita Moreno and Sarah Bareilles. Each of these trailblazers changed the industry in profound ways, leaving a lasting impact on performers, playwrights, and audiences alike. If you’d like to learn about other theater artists, check out: Teaching Stage Legends: Burnett, Andrews, Jones, and Van Dyke 

Women Who Shaped Theater: Sarah Bernhardt to Audra McDonald

Sarah Bernhardt

My mother used to call me “Sarah Bernhardt” and at the rip age of twelve I didn’t know who she was.  I think in my mother’s own way, she was trying to tease me.  But now that I know about Ms. Bernhardt, I’m flattered! Before Broadway, before Hollywood, there was Sarah Bernhardt (1844–1923). A French actress renowned for her dramatic flair and commanding stage presence, Bernhardt became one of the world’s first global celebrities.

• She was known as “The Divine Sarah” and performed in roles traditionally played by men, including Hamlet.
• Bernhardt toured internationally, bringing high art to audiences around the world.
• She defied expectations by continuing to perform even after losing her leg in her later years.
•  Bernhardt originally planned to become a nun but instead enrolled in the Paris Conservatory when she was 16. However with the support and encouragement of her mother’s wealthy lover, her prolific theatrical career was ignited

Bernhardt’s daring choices and larger-than-life persona set the stage for future actors to embrace their individuality and take risks in their careers.

Ethel Merman: The Queen of Broadway

If you think of Broadway belters, one name comes to mind first: Ethel Merman (1908–1984). Known for her powerful voice and impeccable comedic timing, Merman became one of the most influential musical theater performers of all time.

• She originated some of Broadway’s most famous roles, including Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun and Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes.
• Her strong, brassy voice set the standard for musical theater vocalists.
• She worked with legendary composers like Cole Porter, George Gershwin, and Irving Berlin—many of whom wrote songs specifically for her.
• She was a favorite of Cole Porter, who wrote Anything Goes and DuBarry Was a Lady specifically for her.

Merman proved that musical theater could be just as electrifying as a dramatic play, paving the way for powerhouse performers like Patti LuPone and Idina Menzel.

Lorraine Hansberry: A Playwright Who Changed History

While many women made their mark on stage, Lorraine Hansberry (1930–1965) changed theater history with her words. Her groundbreaking play A Raisin in the Sun (1959) was the first play written by a Black woman to be performed on Broadway. When teachers ask of a recommendation for someone to teach about during Black History month, I always suggest Lorraine Hansberry.

• A Raisin in the Sun tackled themes of racial injustice, family struggles, and the pursuit of dreams, resonating with audiences of all backgrounds.
• Hansberry was the first Black woman to win the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award.
• She used her platform to advocate for civil rights, influencing both the arts and activism.
• Her close friend Nina Simone wrote the song “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” in Hansberry’s honor after her passing.

Hansberry’s work opened doors for future generations of playwrights, including Lynn Nottage, Suzan-Lori Parks, and Dominique Morisseau, whose works continue to challenge and inspire audiences today. Pick up a FREE biography lesson about Cynthia Erivo!

Julie Taymor: A Visionary Director

Women have historically been underrepresented in directing and design, but Julie Taymor (b. 1952) shattered expectations with her revolutionary approach to theater.

• She became the first woman to win a Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical with The Lion King (1997).
• She designed over 230 puppets for The Lion King, blending African and Asian theatrical traditions.
• Taymor has directed not only on Broadway but also in opera and film, proving that theatrical storytelling transcends mediums.
• In 1991, she received the MacArthur Fellowship, recognizing her innovative approach to theater.

In addition, her work paved the way for other female directors like Diane Paulus, Rachel Chavkin, and Liesl Tommy, showing that women can lead bold, visually stunning productions.

Audra McDonald: A Record-Breaking Star

No list of influential women in theater is complete without Audra McDonald (b. 1970). She is known for her astonishing vocal range and acting talent.  And get this:  McDonald has won more Tony Awards than any other performer—six and counting!

• She is the only performer to win a Tony in all four acting categories (Best Actress and Featured Actress in both plays and musicals).
• Her roles range from classic musicals (Carousel, Ragtime) to powerful dramas (Master Class, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill).
• First Black Woman to Play Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music Live! (2013) and Bess in Porgy and Bess on Broadway.
• She has used her platform to advocate for diversity and inclusion in theater, supporting young artists and underserved communities.

McDonald continues to redefine what it means to be a Broadway star, inspiring new generations of performers to pursue excellence on their own terms.

Rita Moreno: A Trailblazing Triple Threat

It’s important to mention that women from many backgrounds and cultures blazed the trail for females. Few performers can match the versatility and longevity of Rita Moreno (b. 1931). One of the few EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony) winners, Moreno has influenced generations of actors in both film and theater.

• She made history as Anita in the 1961 film version of West Side Story, winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress—the first Latina to do so.
• On stage, she starred in Broadway productions such as The Ritz (for which she won a Tony) and The Odd Couple.
• She appeared in both the 1961 and 2021 versions of West Side Story—winning an Oscar for playing Anita in the original and portraying Valentina in the remake.
• Moreno has long been an advocate for Latinx representation in entertainment, paving the way for performers like Lin-Manuel Miranda and Daphne Rubin-Vega.

At 90+ years old, Moreno continues to perform, proving that great artistry knows no age.

Sara Bareilles: A Modern Broadway Powerhouse

One of my personal favorite creators if Sarah Bareilles.  While many know Sara Bareilles (b. 1979) for her pop hits like Love Song and Brave, she has become a major force in modern musical theater.

• She composed and wrote the lyrics for Waitress (2016), becoming one of the few female composers to write a full Broadway score.
• She later stepped into the lead role of Jenna, proving her talent as a performer as well.
• Her song “King of Anything” was a response to people constantly giving her unsolicited advice—especially about her music career.
• Bareilles has continued her Broadway career with projects like Into the Woods and Girls5eva, inspiring more women to pursue composing and writing in theater.

Bareilles represents the future of musical theater, where women are not just stars but also creators shaping the stories we see on stage.

If you want to celebrate National Women’s Month in March, check out this bundle.  It’s full of information about four musicals which had women at the forefront and helm.

How have you celebrated National Women’s Month in your classroom?  Please share. You can email me at DhcBaldwin@gmail.com