DIVERSITY, Equity, & Inclusion

EMACT is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across our entire theater community. You can read our statement on Accountability in Community Theater here. In support of these efforts, we convened a DEI Task Force that has been specifically charged with assessing our current environment, and providing resources and opportunities to improve these aspects of our work. In November 2020, the DEI Task Force surveyed our past, present, and future members to begin assessing what work is already being done, and how we can best help. Those survey results are informing their current work, and the summary results can be viewed here.

The Task Force is working to bring comprehensive resources to our community, with ideas and projects in process including: 
  • Educational Forums
  • Policy & Guideline changes each organization can incorporate specific to DE&I, with their contracts (similar to Harassment Policies)
  • Templates for Audition Announcements, Audition Forms, Contracts, etc.
  • Community Outreach Programs & Networks targeting BIPOC and underserved citizens within each community
  • Final Dress invitations to local schools and educational groups
  • Talk back sessions with libraries, featuring playwrights, actors, technicians
  • Volunteerism and Volunteer hours for school development programs

We have also compiled this list of resources and links to help our theater community educate themselves on DEI issues, and create a more equitable landscape for all people in our community:

DEI Resources

EMACT DE&I Toolkit for Theaters
The work of EMACT's DE&I Task Force, a document which will help our member groups navigate starting a DEI Plan, create a welcoming and inclusive environment, and support all members of our community. 
AACT (American Association of Community Theatre) EDI Resources
Clearinghouse of links, articles, books, podcasts and training which focus on equity and diversity issues in theater.

The Anti-Racism Collaborative (ARC)
A multi-racial collective of anti-oppression educators and activists committed to supporting the movement for racial justice and equity. ARC provides open to the public courses and workshops, organizational trainings and consulting, and social movement partnerships that transform culture and create social change.

A Nearly Comprehensive Guide to Creating an Accessible Theater
Written by Melanie Malson at George Washington U. for theatre practitioners, able-bodied or disabled, who are invested in making their theatre spaces and communities more accessible.

New Repertory Theatre's Anti-Racism Starter Kit
Curated list of links and resources for self-education and awareness. 

Safer Space Policy/Community Agreements (The Anti-Oppression Network)
Guidance and example language for creating inclusive spaces through community agreements and guidelines.

StageSource Anti-Racism Policies
Policy examples from theaters across New England to help you develop your own Anti-Racist policy.

StageSource Anti-Racism Resources
A clearinghouse of links to organizations, action plans, mental health resources, and more.

StageSource "Five Steps to Anti-Racism Accountability"

We See You: White American Theater (WAT)
A collective of multi-generational, multi-disciplinary, early career, emerging and established BIPOC artists, theater managers, executives, students, administrators, dramaturges and producers, addressing the scope and pervasiveness of anti-Blackness and racism in the American theater.​

ARTICLES & BOOKS of Interest

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EMACT would like to thank the DEI Task Force for their ongoing work!
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Chairs: Michelle Aguillon & Ken Fisher
Committee Members: Shani Adia, Tessa Berliner, Michael Colford, Susan Harrington, Gabrielle Hatcher, Sonya Joyner, Joseph Jude, Lisa Miller-Gillespie, Kara Chu Nelson, Jeomil Tovar-Gomez, Jason Hair-Wynn, Alicia O'Dwyer, Anna Silva, Donnie Baillargeon, Shawna Ciampa, Celia Couture, and Kai Chao.