As a small theater arts organization in southern Vermont we join all others across our globe in a united front against racism and violence toward Black people. We take seriously the impact in our society from the horrific killing of George Floyd, one among too many other Black people in our communities over too many years. As an arts organization, we understand the important role that we have in helping open people’s emotions and empathy toward a diversity of culture, race, gender, abilities, and more.
The actors of Theatre Adventure share a passion for performing. They also live with physical, cognitive, and developmental challenges. As an organization, we are rooted deeply in a dedication toward inclusion and our refusal to permit any acts of bullying, exclusion, intimidation, or name-calling during all classes, rehearsals, and performances. We insist that all students are accepted and that only kindness to others is permitted. We take seriously our job of teaching: all are welcome, all are valued, and all have a place. Valuing diversity is at the core of our work.
However, we have much more work to do here as an organization that has a core belief for universal acceptance.
“The choices we make matter. And it is the impact – not our intentions – that should guide us. If the effect is hurtful – or has the potential to be so – then we have to pay attention and reconsider our choices.” –Josie Holford
Theatre Adventure is making a commitment to study its curriculum, production choices, hiring practices, policies, and more. Each staff member and teacher is soon going to participate in an anti-racist reading and study group. We recognize how critical it is to begin with each of us as teachers in a self-study process so that we are able to identify and own what biases and prejudices we individually might carry.
In the words of Maya Angelou, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
This is such a disturbing time---we join all others around the globe in speaking out against hatred and violence toward Black people. It is our civic responsibility as teachers and as an organization to understand what messages we are bringing to our classroom and to our performances on stage by the choices we are making.
Theatre Adventure Staff and Board of Directors
June 2020