I.D.E.A. in Action at AFT

About Face Theatre was born in 1995 out of protest at the lack of equity and inclusivity in the theatre industry and society at large. We’re grateful to have a vibrant network of support that has made our work possible since that time. We understand that the struggle for LGBTQ+ equity is intertwined with movements for racial and economic justice and we remain dedicated to the ongoing work of becoming an anti-racist organization.

Our practices and policies to advance Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) are woven throughout the organization. They are led by, for, and with staff, board, and contracted artists throughout the year. We are dedicated to continuously deepening our work to build the equitable world we all deserve. 

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access in Practice

We value all of our programs. We offer union- affiliated productions, touring shows, educational workshops, consultations, community circles, development for new plays, and readings of works in progress. They are all essential to the mission.

We tell the stories of our intersectional lives. Building on solid relationships with artists, we are committed to producing underrepresented LGBTQ+, BIPOC, transgender, and gender non conforming stories and artists. We hire appropriately for each project, so that people with the lived experience of the play are the decision makers and interpreters of how the story gets told.

We invest in the people we hire. Since 2021 we have paid all contractors a living wage, regardless of union status, age, or experience. 

We provide access. We work in spaces that are wheelchair accessible and have inclusive restrooms. We provide multiple open captioning performances for each production.

We keep theatre affordable. Since spring 2022 we offer sliding scale ticket prices to remove financial barriers to attendance.

We look out for each other. We integrate Group Agreements and a Communication and Conflict Resolution Path in all creative processes. We stay accountable to each other and have designated points of contact at various levels of leadership in the organization.

We thrive with board and staff collaboration.  Minimum financial dues were replaced by agreements for contributions at a meaningful level allowing people to add value through their time, skills, and ambassadorship.

We continue to learn and adapt. We regularly audit our I.D.E.A. practices and are committed to ongoing growth. 

Acknowledgements

Our planning methods and operational practices are rooted in anti-oppression frameworks that invite participation from and with our broadly diverse communities. We have also been guided by the blueprints for change created by Not in Our House Chicago Theatre Standards, the We See You White American Theatre demands and the Pay Equity Standards from On Our Team, among others. We are deeply grateful to those artists for their leadership, labor, and generosity.

About Face Theatre is indebted to the original stewards and guardians of Chicago-land: the Miami, Oceti Sakowin, Kickapoo, Peoria, Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations. The alliance of the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations is known as The Council of Three Fires, first formed in the year 796 of the common era at Mishimikinaak, also known as Mackinac Island, in Michigan and we thank them for their continuing leadership.