Immediate steps for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)

The theatre community, including South Bay Musical Theatre, has come under intense scrutiny for its history of participation in discrimination and racial stereotypes. We are listening.

Last month, we paused our 2020/2021 mainstage season and developed new virtual online programming, the SBMT eStudio. We see this as an opportunity to reexamine and reinvent how we deliver on our core values and expand our organization’s vision to amplify underrepresented and marginalized voices. We are engaging with BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color) directors, leaders, and talent to bring more diverse stories and content to this platform. Information will be forthcoming as we arrange dates, rights and streaming opportunities.

SBMT will strive to incorporate Equity, Diversity & Inclusion into who we are and everything we do. We will examine existing policies and procedures with a focus on proactive anti-racism. Our immediate actions include:

  • A delay of the board member election to allow for more time to recruit diverse and underrepresented voices
  • Engagement of a casting consultant to examine behaviors and implicit bias during the casting process
  • Inclusion of an anti-racism advising team during season planning sessions
  • All Board Minutes will be available on our website for full transparency on board discussions. This will be available within a few days.

These steps are the first on a long road. Our promise is to be transparent and accountable for our actions and efforts. SBMT invites our greater community to join in our growth and development of these policies and practices. We thank all who have raised their voices.

Black Lives Matter. Black Artists Matter. Black Theatre Matters.

For further information, or to participate in discussions and planning, please contact me at sdean@southbaymt.com

Thank you,

Sara Dean