Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Theater’s Journey
As the Executive Producer of a thriving musical theater education and performance center, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the transformative power of the arts in bringing people together. But I’ll admit, our journey towards true diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hasn’t always been a smooth one. It’s been a winding road filled with challenges, introspection, and a willingness to learn and grow.
A few years ago, our organization found itself at a crossroads. We recognized that our programming, our staff, and our overall community representation didn’t quite reflect the rich tapestry of our city. It was time to take a hard look in the mirror and ask ourselves some tough questions. Were we truly living up to our mission of “cultivating meaningful connections and lasting memories” for everyone? The answer, unfortunately, was no.
Rethinking Our Approach
That’s when we knew we had to take action. We embarked on a comprehensive review of our policies, practices, and culture, determined to create a more inclusive environment. Our first step was to examine our hiring and recruitment processes. We recognized that the language we used in job descriptions could be biased, and that our outreach efforts weren’t reaching diverse talent pools.
So, we got to work. We carefully reviewed each job posting, ensuring that the language was inclusive and free of any unintentional barriers. We started posting openings on diversity-focused job boards and professional networks, expanding our reach. And when it came time to interview candidates, we implemented a “blind” process, where we considered applications without any identifying information. This allowed us to focus solely on the merits of each individual, rather than making assumptions based on their background or appearance.
Fostering a Culture of Belonging
But our DEI efforts didn’t stop there. We knew that creating a more diverse workforce was only one piece of the puzzle. We also needed to cultivate a culture of belonging, where everyone felt valued, respected, and empowered to share their unique perspectives.
That’s why we launched our “Enrichment Series,” a program designed to provide our staff, faculty, volunteers, and board members with ongoing training and development opportunities. The topics covered everything from unconscious bias and mental health to trauma-informed healing and professional skills. By investing in the personal and professional growth of our team, we hoped to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
And you know what? It worked. As our team members engaged in these conversations and workshops, we witnessed a shift in our organizational culture. People felt more comfortable sharing their experiences, voicing their opinions, and collaborating in meaningful ways. The walls of silos started to crumble, and a genuine sense of community began to emerge.
Celebrating Diverse Voices and Narratives
But our commitment to DEI didn’t stop there. We also recognized the importance of amplifying diverse voices and narratives on our stage. After all, what good is a more inclusive workforce if the stories we tell and the characters we portray don’t reflect the rich tapestry of our community?
So, we made a concerted effort to seek out and produce works that celebrated the experiences of underrepresented groups. From the captivating drama of “The Color Purple” to the joyful celebration of “In the Heights,” our programming started to truly mirror the diversity of our city. And the response from our audiences was overwhelming. People were hungry for these stories, eager to see themselves reflected on the stage.
Collaboration and Community Engagement
But we didn’t stop there. We also knew that true change doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It requires collaboration and community engagement. That’s why we’ve sought out partnerships with other local organizations, each bringing their own unique perspectives and resources to the table.
For example, our recent production of “The Color Purple” was enhanced by a partnership with the Carnegie Museum of Art. Together, we were able to create a rich, immersive experience that went beyond the stage, exploring the themes of the show through the lens of visual art and cultural history.
These collaborative efforts have not only strengthened our programming but also deepened our connection to the community. By working with diverse partners, we’ve been able to reach new audiences, share resources, and ultimately create a more vibrant and inclusive cultural landscape.
Embracing the Journey
Looking back on our journey, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. We’ve come a long way, but we know that the work of true inclusion and equity is never done. There will always be more to learn, more barriers to break down, and more voices to amplify.
But that’s what makes this work so rewarding. It’s a constant evolution, a never-ending quest to create a more just, equitable, and inclusive world – one that truly embraces the power of the arts to bring people together.
And as we continue forward, we do so with a deep sense of gratitude and a commitment to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Because at the end of the day, that’s what the Musical Theater Center is all about – cultivating meaningful connections, celebrating diverse stories, and leaving a lasting impact on our community.
So, let’s keep embracing the journey together, one step, one story, one performance at a time. The future of musical theater is bright, and it’s up to all of us to ensure that it shines brightly for everyone.
