THEATRE FOR EVERYONE

• Our Free Play ticket program, first launched in 2013, has expanded exponentially, offering area students access to live professional theatre in their community 
• We have been recognized for achieving gender parity in the playwrights with whom we work for more than six consecutive seasons.
• Since 2019, we have ensured that at least 50% of the artists who work on our shows are women, and at least 50% are Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC).
• Over the past 20 years, a total of 373 students representing 59 high schools have received mentorship from 57 dedicated mentors through the Teen Performance Company.  

The Theatre For Everyone initiative will support more than 20 programs under four pillars:

• Working Toward Equity
  • EQUAL PLAY – In 2017, we committed to advancing artistic equity by commissioning and developing 30 new plays written exclusively by female- and/or Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC)-identifying playwrights over the next 10 years.
  • NATIONAL CAPITAL NEW PLAY FESTIVAL – An annual event celebrating new work by some of the country’s leading playwrights and underrepresented voices, the festival promotes new plays in various stages of development.
  • EQUITY ON STAGE – At least 50% of the artists with whom we work will be female-identifying and at least 50% will identify as BIPOC.
  • IMPROVED WORKING CONDITIONS – Round House has reduced rehearsal schedules from six to five days a week and technical rehearsal schedules from 10 to 8 hours a day. 
  • BUILDING A REPRESENTATIVE BOARD – Round House has removed the minimum donation requirement for board membership in order to build a board of trustees that is more representative of our community.
  • DEDICATED EDIA BUDGET – Round House invests in ongoing EDIA training and education through a permanent line item in our budget.
• Increasing Accessibility
  • RELAXED PERFORMANCES – Piloted in 2020, Relaxed Performances create a safe and welcoming environment for individuals with sensory and cognitive disabilities.
  • ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES ­– Round House offers FM audio enhancement for all performances, with devices available for patrons with or without existing hearing aids. 
  • AUDIO-DESCRIPTION ­– Round House will expand audio description services, in which a professional audio describer provides a carefully timed narration of the onstage visual elements in the performance, including the action, costumes and scenery via Assistive Listening Devices.
  • OPEN CAPTIONING – Round House will invest in improved captioning technology. 
  • BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS – Broaden and deepen our connection to individuals and organizations in the communities that we serve through a focus on partnerships and engagement.
  • LANGUAGE TRANSLATIONS – Round House seeks to expand cultural accessibility through translations of program materials and productions.

  For detailed information on many of these programs, please visit www.roundhousetheatre.org/Your-Visit/Accessibility.
• Overcoming Economic Barriers
  • ON THE HOUSE – A community access ticket program, On The House provides complimentary group tickets to local nonprofit organizations who want to share the enjoyment of live theatre with their constituents.
  • AFFORDABLE AND DISCOUNT TICKETS – Round House offers an array of discounted ticket options, including Pay-What-You-Can and 2-for-1 performances, as well as special discounts for members of the military and their families and members of theatre unions.  
  • SCHOLARSHIPS – Round House offers need-based scholarships to individuals and families to ensure equitable access to our camps and classes.
  • FAIR PLAY – Round House attracts the best of local and international talent by offering salaries that are competitive with the largest theatres in our market. 
• Fostering the Next Generation of Artists, Administrators, and Audiences
  • FREE PLAY – Round House introduces students to professional theatre by offering free tickets to any performance to students ages 13 through college. 
  • TEEN PERFORMANCE COMPANY – A year-long pre-professional program that provides high school students with training and individual mentorship by Round House artists. The program culminates in the Sarah Metzger Memorial Play, a world premiere production designed, directed, performed, and stage managed by company members.
  • APPRENTICESHIPS – Designed for early career professionals, apprenticeships offer hands-on professional theatre experience while providing equitable compensation to participants. 
  • INTERNSHIPS – An introduction to available careers in the theatre field, internships offer in-depth learning opportunities to high school and college students, and those getting started in the industry.