Of all the industries in the world, it’s safe to say that theatre is one of the more inclusive. We’ve made great strides in representation, accessibility, equality, and equity in the world of theatre… but there’s always more work to be done.
It all starts small – in classrooms, theatre education programs, and community theatres. From there, a fire of inclusivity can spread. Since it’s integral to the success of students, cast, crew, and your theatre at large to create safe spaces for people to express themselves artistically, On The Stage offers seven tips for creating a more inclusive theatre experience for all.
Firstly, let’s cover why creating an inclusive theatre is such a good idea – from both a business standpoint and a moral one. Inclusivity:
While many of the suggestions on this list have more to do with improving your internal inclusivity, it’s also a great idea to remember your patrons. Inclusivity for your patrons can look like many things – specifically as it relates to how people can consume your shows.
People with disabilities should have no issues accessing your theatre or enjoying your shows. Confirming your theatre is ADA-compliant is only the tip of the iceberg. You can also enact measures like audio descriptions and ASL interpretation during the show or even offer pre-show stage walk-throughs for those with visual impairments so they can get a literal feel for the production.
Perhaps audience members want to come to your shows, but don’t have a ride, cannot drive, or have mobility issues. Offer a shuttle service with curbside parking, so those with these and other limitations still feel welcome in your theatre. Ensure you have a front-of-house staffer ready to help anyone needing extra time to get to their seat.
Additionally, consider offering a sensory-friendly performance, which alters a show slightly to make it easier to enjoy for those with sensory processing disorders. These ‘relaxed performances’ can also loosen rules for audience behavior, allowing people to move freely or interact with the performers.
Many patrons who may want to come to your show may not be able to make it in person for a variety of reasons. Perhaps they are immunocompromised, bedbound, struggle with social anxiety or agoraphobia, or live too far away. Not to worry – you can create a far more inclusive theatre by simply offering streaming options.
By streaming your performances, you’re letting people from all around the world view your show. More than that, you’re allowing theatre lovers everywhere to experience your art from the safety and security of their homes. From a business standpoint, you’re eliminating the capacity cap for ticket sales. From a moral standpoint, you’re making your art more accessible to all. Win-win!
Perhaps one of the biggest pushes for inclusivity can come from your show selection and casting process – so don’t rush it.
Before choosing the shows for your upcoming season, consider the type of material you want to showcase and how you can make it more inclusive. Do the musicals and plays you have in mind bring real-world issues to light or allow for casting flexibility? Or are they surface-level productions with little diversity in their casts?
As it relates to casting, try to cast a wider net so you are auditioning a variety of people from different backgrounds – and not the same actors that usually roll out for your productions. Additionally, consider whether or not race or gender truly matters for a role. If it does, why? Is there a reason you can’t switch a gender or race for a character or allow them to be in a wheelchair?
In short, your show and casting decisions are a great way to begin the inclusivity process from the very start.
Since we suggested casting a wider net for your audition demographics, it would be an excellent idea to form community partnerships with local organizations.
These can be artistic co-ops, social justice groups, or nonprofits assisting those with physical disabilities. By creating partnerships with these local organizations, you’re opening yourself up to networking opportunities and forming an in-roads to forming relationships with more people you can cast in your productions.
Working hard to become a familiar, friendly, and reliable face to these important organizations is a great way to ramp up inclusivity and gain insight into how you can better your program. For this endeavor, don’t be afraid to be proactive – reach out to the groups making a difference in your community and bring them into your casting process.
If you are truly gunning to become the most inclusive theatre you can be, you need to do the inner work to make it happen. This means educating yourself about internal bias, racism, and different forms of discrimination and how to be a better ally to those in need.
Additionally, you can only be a strong advocate or ally for marginalized people if those around you are also doing the hard work. Encourage them to do their own research, set clear expectations about behavior, and offer sensitivity training or educational seminars to your employees about properly engaging in dialogue about social issues.
Remember – mistakes and missteps will happen. Embrace that fact. If you and your team constantly try to improve despite hiccups, the community will take note, and your program will flourish.
Remember that your theatre should be a safe space for everyone. Make sure you’re emphasizing the fact that there is no room in your company for racism, sexism, homophobia, or any other form of discrimination – not from other actors, crew members, leadership, or yourself.
If an internal conflict does happen, make sure you handle the issue swiftly and seriously. Make it clear that your team can come to you with complaints, fears, or issues without retribution. Additionally, make yourself a resource for those who want to learn about being a more inclusive person. Open dialogue and establishing a sense of safety are key to a more inclusive environment at your theatre.
While you may want to jump in headfirst as it relates to inclusivity in your theatre, you may fall prey to a harmful behavior: engaging in tokenism. Tokenism, at its core, is simply making a perfunctory effort to be inclusive by casting a person of color in one show to give the community a false image of your theatre as an inclusive place.
Instead, truly do the hard work to form connections within your community, learn more about how to be a better ally, and open your theatre doors to actors and crew members from every walk of life. Allow marginalized members of your theatre to play developed, nuanced characters – not one-dimensional stereotypes.
While becoming a more inclusive theatre involves a lot of inner work, you may also need help with logistical tasks at your theatre, too. That’s where On The Stage comes in.
On The Stage empowers thousands of organizations with ticketing, box office, marketing, fundraising, and reporting tools in one robust platform – for free. Here, we combine a fully integrated suite of tools and resources for theatre and the performing arts with everything needed to control your operational and financial management, letting you focus on making great art.
Our all-in-one theatre software platform empowers directors, producers, box office managers, and patrons across educational theatre, community theatre, dance and professional arts programs of all sizes, performing arts centers, immersive experiences, and everything in between. If you’re ready to elevate your theatre, book a personalized demo today.