Anti-Racism Policy

For too long, stereotypical casting, unequal pay, microaggressions, and other unfair treatment have marginalized artists of color in the world of live theatre.  These harms are often committed or perpetuated by theatre administrations, crew, and cast members. We are deeply grateful to the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) artists who have shined a light on the continued problems of racism and harassment plaguing theatres across the state and our nation, and who have advocated tirelessly for systemic change. We recognize these wrongs and hereby commit to eradicating them from our company.  We will call out racial and ethnic prejudice when we see it, including in ourselves.  We will have difficult conversations about racial bias and commit ourselves actively to eliminating it in our midst. 

We stand with, elevate, and celebrate artists of color.    Racially and ethnically diverse voices will shape our strategic choices as an institution.  To that end, we will strive to include and celebrate individuals of color on our board of directors, in our administration, our casts, our writers, and our crews.   We commit to actively build and keep a safe, supportive, creative space for artists of color in every aspect of our company, top to bottom. 

We encourage racial and ethnic diversity in all casting choices, keeping preconceived notions of race or ethnicity out of the casting room. We will honor and celebrate the great work of writers of color and not shy away from tackling racially sensitive topics.  We will further strive to seek increased participation from communities of color, as creative artists, as audience members, and as donors. We will do these things actively, not passively.  We will hold ourselves to account, including a formal assessment of our progress each year during our company review.  We will not allow racial or ethnic bias to creep into, or grow unchecked, in our midst.

Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy

We commit to providing a creative environment free from discrimination or harassment based upon race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics. We prohibit any form of unlawful harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.  All members of our creative community, including board members, staff, and artists involved in our productions in any capacity, are expected and required to abide by this policy. No person will be adversely affected in connection with The Penny Seats as a result of bringing to the company’s attention any report of harassment.

If a member of The Penny Seats community feels that he or she has been harassed on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status, they should immediately report the matter to our Artistic Director or Executive Director. If that person is not available, or if the member feels it would be unproductive to inform that person, the member should immediately contact the Chair of The Penny Seats Board. Once the matter has been reported it will be promptly investigated and any necessary corrective action will be taken where appropriate. All complaints of unlawful harassment will be handled in as discreet and confidential a manner as is possible under the circumstances.

Any Penny Seats community member engaging in improper harassing behavior will be subject to disciplinary action, including the possible termination of any existing relationship with the company. The procedure for reporting incidents of harassing behavior is not intended to impair, replace, or limit the right of any community member to seek a remedy under available applicable law.

Diversity and Inclusion Policy

 We provide opportunities to, stand with, elevate, and celebrate all artists without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. We also comply with all applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination.