ANTI-RACISM STATEMENT

Quintessence Theatre Group (QTG) acknowledges that conscious and unconscious racism exists. Racial biases inherently exist in some of the text of classic theatre and many of the works that QTG has presented. Through training and reflection, our sensitivity to ingrained racist behavior has been heightened.  

Our Board of Directors and staff are looking critically at our organization and our programming to ensure that Quintessence diversifies the body of stories we tell, the collective of artists we collaborate with, and the audiences we attract. We will increase the representation of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) on our stage, our staff and our Board.

We commit to –  

• Expanding QTG's idea of "classic" to be less eurocentric and more global in its reach, and to present programming that reflects our commitment to anti-racism.

• Building a framework around each play that demystifies the text, addresses its historical context, connects the plays to the lived experience of all of the members of our community, and excites a passion for dramatic art and literature.

• Adding new BIPOC voices to our programming, staff and board.

• Establishing resources and systems to better support BIPOC artists on and off stage.

Quintessence Theatre Group is developing specific tasks and timelines to accomplish each of these commitments. We will hold ourselves accountable by monitoring progress regularly at board meetings and publishing our goals and progress on our website.  

(Approved by the Board of Directors December 18, 2020)