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EEO Document of Principle

Arising out of an initiative developed by the joint League/Equity EEO Committee, the League has joined with Actors' Equity Association, the Casting Society of America, the Dramatists Guild, and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers to sign a ground-breaking Document of Principle.

This action has generated an unprecedented response from the theatre community. Since January 1996, the Document has been endorsed by the Non-Traditional Casting Project, ATPAM, the SDC Foundation, Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York, League of Washington Theatres, Theatre L.A., Theatre Bay Area, and the New Jersey Arts Access Task Force. Support continues to build.

The full text of the Document appears below:

    "We, Actors' Equity Association, the Casting Society of America, the Dramatists Guild, the League of American Theatres and Producers, and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, endorse the goals of diversity, inclusion, and the principles of equal opportunity for all who work in the theatre industry and condemn racism, prejudice, discrimination and exclusion in the theatre.

    "To these ends, we encourage employment and production opportunities in all theatrical disciplines and areas of theatrical production to include persons of every race, color, culture, age, gender, physical disability, and sexual orientation, thereby achieving a theatre industry, both on and off stage, that reflects the full diversity of American society.

    "While we recognize that there can be no interference with the artistic integrity or contractual rights of the author, director, or choreographer, we urge all members of the theatre community to challenge traditional stereotypes. We acknowledge that the growth and vitality of our industry is dependent upon the inclusion of diverse voices and impulses in writing, hiring, casting, directing, and producing.

    "This statement signifies our coming together around the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion. In so doing, we acknowledge our commitment to see that these principles are furthered for the betterment of the professional theatre."

LEAGUE EEO CONSULTANT:

Sharon Jensen
sjensen@ntcp.org
Non-Traditional Casting Project
1560 Broadway
Suite 1600
New York, NY 10036

212-730-4750 Phone

212-730-4820 Fax

Nontraditional Casting Project www.ntcp.org