DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION; WHAT DO THOSE WORDS MEAN TO THE THEATER COMMUNITY?

Abstract

Live Theater has historically been influential in, and associated with life and culture and its economy of New York City for many years. Although New York is known for being a place filled with people of all different cultural backgrounds and identities; theater arts in New York has historically struggled to represent New York's diversity. Theater has a long history of not being inclusive or diverse. An example of this racially segregated history is that there was a time in America where black people were legally not allowed to share the same stage as white people. While American theaters are now integrated, many still feel meaningful representation is still lacking. The research that follows, I seeks to document the evolution of DEI (Diversity, equity, and inclusion) efforts and leaders as it has impacted theater professionals in New York to The present day. Through diverse secondary sources, and first hand interviews with accomplished active practitioners in the theater community, this report will focus particularly on current strategies and methods that support a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive Broadway based theater industry.