As theatre audiences in Little Rock, Arkansas, you have the unique opportunity to be a part of a vibrant and dynamic arts scene that celebrates diversity, belonging, inclusion, and equity (DBIE). By embracing values such as DBIE, radical acceptance, integrity, accountability, and seek discomfort, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and dynamic industry that promotes social change and celebrates the rich tapestry of voices and perspectives within our community.
But what do these values mean, and how can we put them into action? Let's take a closer look at each one:
Diversity
In the theatre, diversity means representing a wide range of voices and perspectives on stage and behind the scenes. This includes race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, and more. By promoting diversity, we can create productions that are more reflective of the world around us and provide opportunities for underrepresented voices to be heard.
Belonging
Belonging means creating a sense of community and connection within the theatre. This can involve building supportive and respectful relationships between cast and crew, as well as making sure that everyone feels welcomed and valued. By fostering a sense of belonging, we can create a more collaborative and harmonious environment that allows everyone to thrive.
Inclusion
Inclusion means actively working to include diverse voices and perspectives in all aspects of the theatre, from casting and crew to audience development and marketing. By being intentional about inclusion, we can create a more equitable and inclusive industry that allows everyone to participate and contribute.
Equity
Equity means striving for fairness and justice in the theatre, and working to address and correct imbalances of power and privilege. This can involve advocating for policies and practices that promote equity, as well as taking steps to dismantle systems of oppression. By promoting equity, we can create a more just and equal theatre industry.
Radical Acceptance
Radical acceptance means fully and unconditionally accepting people for who they are, without judgment or reservation. In the theatre, this can involve creating a safe and welcoming environment for all performers and audience members, regardless of their background or identity. By embracing radical acceptance, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate industry.
Integrity
Integrity means being honest and authentic in all aspects of the theatre, from storytelling to business practices. By upholding integrity, we can create productions that are true to themselves and that inspire trust and respect from audiences.
Accountability
Accountability means taking responsibility for our actions and the impact that we have on others. In the theatre, this can involve being accountable to our cast and crew, our audience, and our community. By being accountable, we can create a more responsible and trustworthy industry.
Seek Discomfort
Seek discomfort means pushing boundaries and taking risks in order to create dynamic and innovative productions. In the theatre, this can involve exploring new themes and styles, challenging societal norms, and stepping outside of our comfort zones. By seeking discomfort, we can create productions that are fresh and exciting, and that challenge us to think in new ways.
By embracing values such as DBIE, radical acceptance, integrity, accountability, and seek discomfort, we can create a more inclusive, honest, responsible, and dynamic theatre industry in Little Rock, Arkansas. By prioritizing these values, we can work towards creating a more vibrant and equitable arts scene that celebrates the diverse voices and perspectives within our community. By attending shows and supporting companies that embrace these values, we can help to ensure that the Little Rock theatre scene continues to thrive and grow. So let's embrace these values and work together to create a more inclusive, dynamic, and inspiring arts scene in Little Rock.