Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement and Policy
The Vagrancy is committed to building a more equitable and anti-racist theatre space. We aspire to be an artistic home for all creators and audiences. We aim to uplift and encourage unique, underrepresented, and untold stories and voices, and to embody these values in each facet of our company. We believe that amplifying diverse voices and reflecting the varied identities of our Los Angeles and Michigan communities is essential to our success and relevance as a theatre company.
PRODUCTION: We will produce authentic stories that decenter whiteness and will hire actors and creative team members who are historically marginalized on every production.
DEVELOPMENT: We will seek out and cultivate new works that embrace diverse perspectives, providing platforms for those voices to be heard and nurtured.
LEADERSHIP: We will continue to grow our leadership team and board in ways that actively represent the demographics of Los Angeles and Michigan.
ENGAGEMENT: We will solicit, welcome, and incorporate audience feedback in order to better serve our communities.
EMPOWERMENT: We amplify the diverse voices of creatives from all walks of life, giving them an affirmative environment to make the art they want to. Artists who work with us can pursue their passions while being fully supported by our theatre.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: We will engage with and support initiatives that confront and dismantle racism, misogyny, ageism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, fatphobia, ableism, tokenism, and prejudice.
ACCOUNTABILITY: We will conduct regular, annual reviews of our work and practices to ensure we are maintaining high standards in all matters relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
MEASURABLE COMMITMENTS:
PRODUCTION: We will produce authentic stories that decenter whiteness and will hire actors and creative team members who are historically marginalized on every production.
DEVELOPMENT: We will seek out and cultivate new works that embrace diverse perspectives, providing platforms for those voices to be heard and nurtured.
LEADERSHIP: We will continue to grow our leadership team and board in ways that actively represent the demographics of Los Angeles and Michigan.
ENGAGEMENT: We will solicit, welcome, and incorporate audience feedback in order to better serve our communities.
EMPOWERMENT: We amplify the diverse voices of creatives from all walks of life, giving them an affirmative environment to make the art they want to. Artists who work with us can pursue their passions while being fully supported by our theatre.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: We will engage with and support initiatives that confront and dismantle racism, misogyny, ageism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, fatphobia, ableism, tokenism, and prejudice.
ACCOUNTABILITY: We will conduct regular, annual reviews of our work and practices to ensure we are maintaining high standards in all matters relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
MEASURABLE COMMITMENTS:
- Since 2019 no less than 50% of our commissioned, annual, Writers’ Group members have been BIPOC playwrights and no less than 75% have been women, non-binary, or trans. Effective immediately this is an official commitment.
- We will immediately offer “pay-what-you-want” admission to all readings, workshops, and productions.
- Effective immediately we will eliminate 10 out of 12’s.
- Effective immediately we will hire a mental health first aid certified individual to attend all rehearsals for full productions and an intimacy director and/or sensitivity specialist when relevant.
- By 2025, no less than 50% of our leadership will be BIPOC and and no less than 75% will be women, non-binary, or trans artists.
- By 2025, no less than 50% of our Board Members will be BIPOC and no less than 75% will be women, non-binary, or trans.