TO THE WE SEE YOU WHITE AMERICAN THEATRE ORGANIZERS AND THE BLACK, INDIGENOUS, AND PEOPLE OF COLOR THEATRE COMMUNITY

First and foremost, we at Theatre Prometheus acknowledge that we did not make our previously stated deadline of July 2021 to publish our first progress report. Due to the departure of our beloved HR Manager and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, our volunteer-run company was stretched thinner than expected. However, our team has met 4 times since our initial report to discuss these goals and we are eager to share our progress to date. Please note that, due to COVID-19, our company has not put on an in-person production since our 2020 season. Thus, some of our goals are still a “work in progress” as we prep for a time when we can all be together again, safely.

PRODUCTION

Theatre Prometheus accomplished all of our stated goals that were achievable given our lack of in-person productions. However, we still have room for improvement and have committed to the following next steps:

  • When we are back in person, we will allow proficient and accessible walk-throughs of inventory and spatial configurations every time a BIPOC designer is hired.

  • When we are back in person, we will honor our commitments to the previously stated goals around BIPOC artists' hair and makeup.

  • We will continue to work on hiring more BIPOC production staff for both virtual and in-person productions.

  • We will look into quarterly anti-racism training for contracted hires in alignment with Theatre Prometheus’ company-wide training. 

ARTISTIC & LITERARY

Theatre Prometheus accomplished all of our stated goals, including our commitment to center BIPOC artists and voices in our 2021/2022 season. However, we still have room for improvement and have committed to the following next steps:

  • We will add a specific clause in all artist contracts that specifies our “anti-gag” rule and provides the contracted artist with written permission to request a review of our budget.

COMMUNICATIONS 

Theatre Prometheus accomplished all but one of our stated goals. We have not yet updated our media list to better prioritize BIPOC critics. However, our Communications Team plans to accomplish this goal before the premiere of our first show in May of 2022. 

DEVELOPMENT & FINANCE

Theatre Prometheus accomplished all of our stated goals, including our commitment to set aside 10-15% of our budget to subsidize ongoing or continued training related to anti-racism, EDI, or community outreach to BIPIC artists and audiences. 

CASTING

Theatre Prometheus accomplished all of our stated goals. However, we will continue to prioritize increased transparency in casting processes, character breakdowns, and artist communications as we ramp up this department ahead of our return to in-person productions. 

HUMAN RESOURCES

Theatre Prometheus has been working to push beyond our normal networking circles to ensure that the final pool of applicants in our hiring process is over 50% BIPOC. This has been true for every administrative hire over the last year and a half, save for one individual who volunteered their help in a time of need. While we have made progress in creating a more inclusive hiring strategy, we recognize that the goals outlined for this department are the ones that we will need the most accountability for. Below are the goals that we have made progress on but have not fully achieved. Theatre Prometheus is committed to working on finalizing these goals before our next progress report: 

  • Create a finalized or nearly finalized employee handbook that codifies all rules and processes for administrative staff.

  • Create a multiple-staged, actionable hiring plan to move from a predominantly white administrative staff to a staff that reflects at least 50% BIPOC individuals. 

EXECUTIVE

Theatre Prometheus has successfully provided yearly 360 reviews for all members of the executive team to ensure structural accountability for the organization.

Sincerely,

-Team Prometheus