TOWN HALL FOR RACIAL RECKONING:

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

Thank you for joining us in this endeavor. May this be the first step towards healing wounds and building trust. This first step will require vulnerability and openness. Here, you will find information about the event and helpful guidelines.

For all who wish to tell their stories:

  • All BIPOC theatre makers, including senior staff and administrators, are welcome to share stories.

  • We ask that all who wish to share, think through what they wish to say, and write it out. This doesn’t have to be perfect. The intent is to limit trauma to the speaker, and allow more time for all who wish to share.

  • Speakers may sign up for 5-minute slots in advance, or decide night-of, to speak. Speakers may sign up for multiple 5-minute slots. 

  • Each speaker can address multiple theaters during their time slot. Please only address theaters that have been assigned to that night.

  • Speakers who wish to remain anonymous, may elect someone else to read their words out loud. This may be done at any time. 

  • We ask that all speakers speak only to their own, personal experience. It may cause further trauma to speak of someone else’s experience if they are not yet ready.

For Senior Staff and Board Members:

  • Who are the major decision makers in your organization? They are the staff that we are demanding attend, along with key Members of your Board.

  • Senior Staff and Board Members will be present to hear as intentional and compassionate listeners.

  • Senior Staff and Board Members will not be given an opportunity to speak or respond at the event. The intent is to practice holding space for BIPOC theatre makers.

  • We ask that Senior Staff and Board members have cameras on for the entirety of the event. Plan to be in a location, free from distractions, where you can be fully present. 

  • We ask that Senior Staff and Board Members not center themselves and have a heightened sense of awareness of the impact of their non-verbal reactions. 

For all who attend as witnesses:

  • A witness is a BIPOC or ally theatre maker that wishes to be present in support.

  • We ask that all witnesses remain respectful throughout the evening. Please try and limit extraneous movement during the process (driving, washing dishes, etc.) If you need to excuse yourself for a time, please do. 

  • If a BIPOC witness wishes to tell their own story during the night, they may do so.

  • We ask that witnesses not take notes during the evening. Our intent is to create a safe space for all involved, and only use the stories as a tool for change.

Reminder for all attendees: 

  • This will not be a conversation. This will be a night of listening on the part of theatre representatives, and speaking truths on the part of those who wish to tell their stories.

  • A mental health professional will be available each night.

  • A carefully vetted facilitator will help guide the process each night.

  • With all participants’ permission, these stories will be recorded (in written form) and given to the theatre’s representatives. If we do not remember our history, we are doomed to repeat it.

  • We ask that all attendees have their cameras on for the entirety of the process.