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learn about
Inclusive Stages
What are Inclusive Stages?
Inclusive Stages® is not just a program; it's a movement toward implementing a care-forward approach to creating art in community. It’s a trusted, flexible framework to make creative spaces feel good to be in. And it is the future of our industry. The work of 'Inclusive Stages' is not just to dismantle the existing structure of theater and the entertainment Industry -- it is to keep the arts thriving while breaking down inequitable systems and caring for creatives, one stage at a time.
Brave Creative Spaces
Creative spaces require creative EDI work. ‘Brave spaces’ acknowledge the unique, and often thrilling, challenges (like discussing topics of race, power, priviledge, trauma and oppression) we have when creating art. We must invest in trust and care to build spaces where we feel safe enough to be brave in our creative work.
Inclusion Work Is Everyone’s Work
This is not just the work of people of marginalized identities. Inclusion means taking each others’ differences into account, and learning how to create systems that support and care for the group of people gathered. Learning how we work together, and building a culture of inclusion, is everyone’s work.
Foundations of Trust
The work of Inclusive Stages® is preventative, not reactionary. We reject the “emergency room” approach of rushing to fix issues as they occur. A solid foundation of trust is needed before engaging in creative work, and inclusion must be a value from the start. Set a room up for success and the process will be infinitely easier and more enjoyable.
If We Can’t Talk About It, We Can’t Fix It
Inclusive Stages work doesn’t tiptoe around sticky topics. If we operate from a place of fear – if we can’t ask questions or express thoughts without the fear of being canceled – we’ll never have the opportunity to learn and grow. And we believe in strengthening our muscles for having difficult conversations and giving and receiving feedback in productive and compassionate ways.
