Anti-racism Orientation for Staff
Dear Round House colleagues,
Round House is a theatre for everyone—a theatre of and for our community, committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Therefore, we intentionally and rigorously work to break down barriers to attending, learning, and creating theatre—including those based in race, age, gender, sexuality, ability, and economics. We strive to incorporate anti-racist and anti-sexist practices across all aspects of our work and create a safe, equitable, and inclusive working environment in which all employees feel heard and valued.
As part of that work, Round House requires anti-racism orientation for all staff (full-time and part-time), Board members, artists, technicians, and front of house staff. We developed this orientation in consultation with Michael Bobbitt, based on trainings he originally created for New Repertory Theatre.
This orientation is part of the first day of rehearsal for actors, directors, and stage management staff. Designers and other independent contractor artists are invited to complete it along with the rehearsal-room team or on their own time.
You are encouraged to bring a device (laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.) and headphones, and stay in the room as everyone works through the materials at their own pace. You may also complete the orientation at another time that is convenient for you. You are required to have this training completed by the end of the first week of rehearsal.
The orientation is self-paced and features articles, videos, and reflection questions. There is no need to write down your responses to the reflection questions unless it is helpful to your learning style. We won’t be collecting answers. There are also additional resources at the end of each unit; reading or watching these will take you beyond the two-hour estimate and the scope of what we are requiring, but can be very helpful for further learning. Feel free to save the orientation link and re-visit resources as you incorporate them into your own working practice.
Below, you can find links to two orientations, one for people who are white and one for people who identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC). If you are white, please complete that orientation. If you are BIPOC, you have the choice to do either orientation. Both orientations share foundational materials, and the orientation for BIPOC artists also includes sections on self-care, unpacking internalized racism, and racial joy and pride. Both are approximately the same length.
Please begin with the introductory note from Michael Bobbitt. At the end of the orientation page, you must fill out the google form to certify that you have completed this orientation.
Thank you for joining us in keeping Round House a safe place to work for everyone.
Sincerely,
Ryan Rilette and Ed Zakreski, on behalf of the Round House staff