EDI ACTIONS FOR REHEARSALS AND PRODUCTIONS
Creating an open and welcoming creative space
- Shared narratives as a way to come together as a creative family
The best way to understand and appreciate others is to share stories. We learn about each other through the narratives of our lives. We come to understand and appreciate our differences and similarities through the sharing of life experiences.
To build strong artistic relationships and mutual respect, space will be given to all artists in rehearsals for the sharing of narratives and experiences as they pertain to the creative process.
At the first rehearsal, artists will verbally commit to fostering healthy communication and resolving issues as they arise.
The importance of speaking up instead of sweeping things under the carpet or swallowing feelings for the sake of maintaining peace and harmony will be discussed, as will implementing the Chicago Theater Standards created by NotInOurHouse.org and the ‘Ouch/Oops’ method of addressing harm. 16th Street’s Conflict Resolution Path will be made available as a formal method of addressing harm.
- Conflict Resolution Strategies
One of the most effective helpful conflict resolution strategies is to treat each other as allies, not as adversaries, and to direct energies toward solving the problem at hand.
This small change in outlook can go a long way in helping to form a creative team, with the conflict as the common enemy.
16th Street Theater pledges to listen with openness and respond with honesty, and asks all artists involved in the creative process to do the same. Perceived and actual reports or incidents of harm will be treated with respect, and addressed as they arise with openness and willingness to reach a mutually acceptable resolution.
- Use communication to bridge gaps when dealing with conflict
Using communication as a tool to bridge gaps and not widen them is a critical part of the process. Whenever presented with an impasse; the mantra will be pause, breathe, and choose words carefully so that a middle ground can be found that is acceptable to both parties.
Artistic relationships demand compromise and adjustment. If that is offered, more often than not the same will be reciprocated.
Artists will be encouraged to address and talk through an issue before it blows up. Space will be created in the rehearsal and performance process when issues arise, and open conversation will be encouraged. The Conflict Resolution Path will always be available for use if any Artists feel it is warranted.
- Look at conflict as an opportunity
We are in this artistic venture together. Conflict can be an opportunity to understand differing perspectives, and help the team align their points of view.
Learning to respect other points of view and embrace differences can go a long way to resolve conflict and repair harm.
16th Street resolves to provide a safe and welcoming artistic space that offers opportunity for narrative expression as a means to develop strong, supportive relationships. We pledge to use the practices listed here to prevent harm, the disruption harm may cause, and to facilitate relationship repair in cases where harm has occurred.
16th Street theater also endeavors to uphold the guidelines put forth by the Chicago Theater Standards.
MISSION STATEMENT of the CHICAGO THEATRE STANDARDS
The overriding tenets of the Chicago Theatre Standards are: communication, safety, respect, and accountability.
The Chicago Theatre Standards is a voluntary tool for self-‐governance that seeks to nurture communication, safety, respect, and accountability of participants at all levels of theatrical production. Its mission is to create:
- Spaces free of harassment, whether it be sexual, or based in race, gender, religion, ethnic origin, color, or ability;
- Nurturing environments that allow us to challenge ourselves, our audiences, and our communities; that support risk of mind and body; and that establish the freedom to create theatre that represents the full range of human experience;
- A common understanding of practices for theatre environments, including written, reproducible standards available at no cost; and by
- Peer support through mentorship and collaboration through online communication and community outreach.
As with all Creative Institutions, we are a work in progress, open to learning new ideas and fostering creative adventures for ALL artists. We look forward to a continued learning process as we grow.
Ideas and words borrowed from RGW Consulting, NotInOurHouse.org and the Chicago Theatre Standards and www.bonobology.com › conflict-resolution-strategies
The preceding statement is from the Board of Directors and the staff of The 16th Street Theater NFP, and expresses the views and plans only of The 16th Street Theater NFP, and no other entity related to or associated with 16th Street Theater.