A STATEMENT FROM THEATRE CHARLOTTE

[JUNE 02, 2020] We at Theatre Charlotte humbly acknowledge that the criticism is justifiable regarding our rather passive statement in response to the senseless killing of George Floyd. We did not state strongly enough our condemnation of this brutal killing and that of Ahmaud Arbrey, Breonna Taylor and far too many others. We did not acknowledge our opposition to the systemic racism that exists at all levels in our community, our state and our nation. We did not acknowledge the years of intolerance and injustice that have now boiled over. We did not acknowledge the turmoil caused by the anger, the fear, the outrage and the heartbreak that exists and that has been ignored in our community and our nation.

At Theatre Charlotte we say loudly and clearly that BLACK LIVES MATTER! Black artists, writers and stories matter. Theatre exists to share stories of the human condition, no matter how comfortable or uncomfortable. We hope to foster empathy to create change by doing what we do best-sharing these stories. We have been committed to and are proud of the work we have done so far in the diversity and inclusion on our stage and in our audience. We acknowledge we still have much work to do to change the culture at Theatre Charlotte. We are sincerely open and willing to discuss and learn how to do this work and do it better.

We acknowledge that all lives can’t matter until black lives matter.

STEPS WE’RE TAKING TO MOVE FORWARD WITH OUR COMMUNITY

  • Our Board of Directors unanimously voted to amend their by-laws to include an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee among the standing committees. This gives this vital work a permanent place in our board’s infrastructure alongside our Executive, Finance, and Development committees.

  • Dr. Corlis Hayes and Breana Venablé are leading this committee.

  • This committee is currently working to:

    • Review our mission and vision statement

    • Outline standards for equity, diversity, and inclusion within our staff, board, and productions

    • Seek partnerships with local BIPOC creatives and support their stories