SCT Equity Statement
At SCT, we believe theatre has the power to build empathy and inspire the imagination. We believe all young people should have access to theatre, and should see themselves reflected in our programming, on our stages, and in our staff. As such we are actively working to become an antiracist organization, one where all children, families, educators, artists, and employees feel welcome, invited, seen, and valued.
As a historically and predominately white organization, we acknowledge that we operate within systems of racism and oppression, and we recognize the harm and impact this has had on the Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) local and surrounding communities. We acknowledge and appreciate the work done by our colleagues in BIPOC in Theatre for Young Audiences (Anti-Racist & Anti-Oppressive Futures for Theatre for Young Audiences: An Interactive Guide) and BIPOC Demands for White American Theatre. We must dismantle systems of racial oppression, build an anti-racist culture, and advance toward justice so that SCT can truly be a safe space for all.
Though we as an organization have been engaging in anti-racist work since 2017, we know SCT is still at the beginning of our journey. Sustainable change to our culture takes time and continuous effort. SCT commits to engaging in this work internally and externally as we continue to create and develop theatrical and educational programming for the community. We invite you, our community, to play an active part by asking questions and holding us accountable.
The Seattle Children’s Theatre IDEA Team will advise our organization on topics, issues, and actions regarding antiracism, equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion within SCT, to the end purpose of finding and creating justice.
Inclusion - ensures that all individuals or groups are and feel welcomed, respected, supported, valued, and able to fully participate.
Diversity - includes all the ways in which people differ (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, ability, age, veteran status, national origin, socioeconomic background, experience, religion, socioeconomic status, education, marital status, language(s) spoken, physical appearance).
Equity - is fair treatment, access, opportunity, and advancement for all people, while at the same time striving to identify and eliminate barriers that have prevented the full participation of some groups; this requires changes to processes of institutions or systems and distribution of resources.
Accessibility – the premise of minimizing the disadvantages by creating intentional space, means, and opportunities where individuals can feel empowered to acquire information, engage in the same interactions, and complete tasks in an autonomous and independent manner. (naca.org)
If you are passionate about social justice and would like to help shape the future of SCT, please reach out to us at hello@sct.org about opportunities to get involved. We want to hear from you.
SCT COMMUNITY AGREEMENT
By entering this shared space, you agree to:
- Respect All: Treat others with respect. Our differences are what make us beautiful. Celebrate each individual's unique identity and show this with your words and actions.
- Lead with Curiosity: Approach individuals, interactions, and stories with a curious mind and listening ear. Challenge yourself to be a learner, not a knower.
- Model Positive Behavior: Assume good intentions and understand mistakes happen, with others and ourselves. We all learn through failing, listening, and trying again.
- Clap Hard, Cry Hard: All feelings are welcome here. We invite you to be vulnerable. We are in the business of inspiring, educating, and entertaining; all of which can cause a number of feelings, from triumph to anguish.
- Be an Upstander: Stand up for others, and use your voice to make our community stronger. Bullying will not be tolerated at SCT. If you see something, say something.
We are here to help! Contact any SCT staff immediately with any questions, needs, or concerns. Inappropriate, threatening, racist, prejudiced, or abusive behavior will not be tolerated and you may be asked to leave the theatre or other SCT affiliated activities.
This Community Agreement is a living document and will be periodically updated. Have questions or comments or want a copy to abridge for your community? Email us at hello@sct.org.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
SCT acknowledges that we are on the traditional land of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the first people of Seattle, the Duwamish People past and present. We honor with gratitude this land and the Indigenous nations who have stewarded the land, waters, and resources of this region for millennia. This acknowledgment does not take the place of authentic relationships with Indigenous communities, but serves as a first step in honoring the land we are on and the people and cultures it has nurtured.
About Our Land Acknowledgement:
We have arrived at this land acknowledgement through discussions with our staff and trustees, using resources from the Duwamish Tribe, Red Eagle Soaring, and the Seattle Rep, Steppenwolf Theatre, Pacific Science Center, and City of Seattle. Land acknowledgement is a traditional custom dating back centuries for many Native communities and nations. For non-Indigenous communities, acknowledgement is a simple way of resisting the erasure of Indigenous histories and working towards honoring and inviting the truth.
Our Role:
As an arts organization, we aim to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures and histories that shape our community. We recognize that the arts have the power to bridge divides, amplify voices, and celebrate the richness of indigenous heritage.
We recognize the ongoing struggles and challenges faced by indigenous communities, including the fight for recognition, sovereignty, and cultural preservation.
May we strive to be good stewards of this land and to contribute to a world where indigenous voices and perspectives are valued and uplifted.
Please join us in paying Real Rent Duwamish and supporting more organizations in Seattle – some can be found through Seattle Urban Native Nonprofits.