
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement
Reverie Theatre Group fully believes art cannot be made without the input of many voices from a multitude of backgrounds. We acknowledge the systemic oppression that exists leaving many of these voices unheard.
It is a violation of Reverie Theatre Group’s policy to discriminate against any persons for reasons including but not limited to, a person’s race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability status, neurodivergence, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or political affiliation. Reverie Theatre Group commits to searching out and showcasing the voices of different groups of people including, but not limited to, Black, Hispanic/Latino, Middle Eastern, Indigenous Persons, LGBTQ+ (especially those in the trans/nonbinary community), disabled persons, trauma survivors of any kind, and many more. Reverie Theatre Group prides itself on lifting up and handing the microphone to those who have been silenced for so long.
For us, this is more than just a mission toward inclusion. We at Reverie Theatre Group strongly believe that by involving voices from as many different cultures, backgrounds, religions, family dynamics, genders, etc., we make better, more dynamic, more interesting art, and life is much more fulfilling when everyone has a chance to share.
For too long, Black trauma has been put on display to create shock in the name of allyship. Displaying Black trauma for the sake of shock and awe is not allyship. We will not display Black trauma for the sake of revenue and controversy but instead with care and attention, only told and directed by Black voices. We believe in showcasing Black joy. Indigenous voices have been vacant from our line of work, and we plan to do what is necessary to lift up Indigenous voices and create space for their stories to be told. We acknowledge their land and their history, and offer them a place to create. We recognize that all people who fall under the BIPOC identifier have unique voices and experiences, and that one experience doesn’t not serve as a monolith for all. We will work to identify and tell stories of all kinds to highlight the vast spectrum of BIPOC stories.
Transgender actors deserve a place to perform without being observed as tokens or spectacles. Binary, trans people are meant for binary cis roles. Non-binary actors deserve to feel comfortable in their own skin, and not pigeonholed into gendered, binary roles. We will approach our theatre creation knowing that gender is a vast spectrum, and many characters can be found on that spectrum. We will not aid in gender dysphoria by using unnecessary gendered language or generating gendered spaces, or by creating spectacles out of performers’ gender identities. Instead, we will allow all performers to feel comfortable in their identities and thrive in them.
Disabled performers are often overlooked in theatre in favor of abled body actors, which creates more barriers. Within our company, disabled roles will be played by disabled actors, we will never use an abled body individual to portray someone with a disability. Disabled performers deserve to tell their own stories and belong on the stage. Furthermore, disabled performers will be considered for all roles, not just disabled roles. Disability status does not prevent someone from living their life. We also will work toward making our company safe for neurodivergent persons, providing support and space for them when necessary, and approaching all possible conflicts or issues with grace and understanding. We recognize there are many ways to interact with the world around us, and we will do our best to adapt to everyone’s needs. Trauma survivors are also a group of people we want to provide space for. Those who suffer from trauma, whether it be theatre related or not, deserve to have accommodations and support that allow them to make art without being in triggering situations. We will work closely with those who present their boundaries to us to ensure that the space they operate in is safe and trigger free. We recognize that every person experiences trauma differently, and we will strive to accommodate all.
The number one way we aim to achieve these goals is by fostering an environment of inclusion, with a ZERO TOLERANCE policy on harassment, discrimination, and exclusion of any kind. And as we now practice what we’ve put into words, we’ll leave you with this:
This statement was written and edited by persons whom are primarily cis and white, and we acknowledge our privilege and lack of experience in the lives of those we’ve identified above; therefore, if you have any recommendations on how we can improve our Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Statement, we implore you to email info@reverietheatregroup.org and/or any member of our Executive Staff or Board of Directors with suggestions and edits.
We thank you all for sharing your voice, story, background, and unique perspectives that only you can bring forth into the world.