OUR MISSION

DEI COMMITTEE

The Sharon Playhouse is committed to ensuring that every artist in our employ - regardless of background and/or identity - feels safe, seen, and supported. We are deeply concerned by the inequality faced by Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) artists and the systemic oppression that historically exists in the theater community. As artists, we can create change, and as a theater, we are committed to encouraging and fostering that change. Diversity is at the core of what we do and who we are at the Playhouse - it’s embedded into our Culture. We value, protect, promote, and hire it. All differences are welcome and encouraged here - they contribute not only to our culture but to our reputation and our achievements.

In June 2020, the Board of Directors established the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee composed of past & present actors, technicians, employees, and Board members of The Sharon Playhouse. The five-part charge of this committee is to:

1. Ensure that The Sharon Playhouse fosters a safe and inclusive working environment for employees of all races, genders, sexual orientations, religious affiliations, national origins, ages, abilities, and identities.

2. Promote the active recruitment of diverse artists, creative teams, and staff.

3. Advocate for the responsible telling of diverse stories and the elevation of diverse voices.

4. Provide education, training, and resources for best workplace practices in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

5. Lead the community by example in implementing practices of the above creeds and adhering to the goals of this statement.

SOLIDARITY STATEMENT

On July 28th, 2020, The Sharon Playhouse, with support from the DEI Committee, released a statement in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement. It was published on the Sharon Playhouse Instagram account, website, and e-mailed to patrons.

In order to foster a safe and inclusive working environment for employees of all races, genders, sexual orientations, religious affiliations, national origins, ages, abilities, and identities, the DEI Committee in collaboration with the Board of Directors Governance Committee has established best practices around incident reporting, streamlined the reporting system, implemented policies & procedures to foster a safe working environment, and created an anonymous reporting form to be implemented by The Sharon Playhouse. This new policy will be made available for each employee in the onboarding documents as well as at The Sharon Playhouse. Additionally, on the recommendation of the DEI Committee, an external Human Resources Representative has been hired to address any future issues.

To submit a workplace complaint, please send an email to: safework@sharonplayhouse.org or to submit an incident report anonymously, please fill out the form linked HERE.

The Sharon Playhouse strives to ensure that its services are accessible to all people with disabilities. In 2024, the Playhouse proudly introduced digital inclusivity on its website by implementing the accessibility widget accessiBe.

The Playhouse is committed to developing space and resources that make the enjoyment of the arts more accessible for individuals with differing abilities.

Since its inception, The Sharon Playhouse has always been a source of joy for our community. We bring in and employ people from all walks of life to do what they love and bring happiness to others. At the Playhouse, we believe that there is no room for discrimination, bigotry, or oppression of any kind: not in our rehearsal space, not on our staff, and not in our theater. We stand with those who are marginalized and unheard.

We pledge to keep bringing our audiences the highest quality of theater possible while fostering a safe, inclusive environment for all who work here.

The Sharon Playhouse stands in solidarity with the BIPOC community in their fight against oppression and inequality. We pledge to do everything in our power to work for a society free of racism and intolerance.

We are listening. We are learning.

Black Lives Matter.