The Standards
The DC 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 in the greater DC region. Its mission is to create:
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Spaces free of harassment, whether it be sexual, or based in race, gender, religion, ethnic origin, color, or ability
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Nurturing environments that allow even greater challenge to ourselves, our audience, and our communities; risk of mind and body; and freedom to create theatre that represents the full range of human experience
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A common understanding of best practices for theatre environments, including written, reproducible standards available for no cost
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Support through mentorship and collaboration through online communication and community outreach
Sample
Forms
These documents, included in The Standards, are sample forms to be integrated into the context of a theatre-making process. They are primarily intended for producers and managers as tools to incorporate The Standards into their theatres, but are also useful self-advocacy tools for theatre artists on all levels.
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Sample Letters of Intent, for members of the production team or for members of the cast (PDF, Word.doc)
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Sample Concern Resolution Path, a three-level system of resolving concerns that may arise for performers or technicians (PDF, Word.doc)
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Sample Audition Disclosure Form, for creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere for performers from the moment they walk in for an audition (PDF, Word.doc)
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Sample Written Agreement, for performers, which may be modified for other members of a production team (PDF, Word.doc)
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Sample First Day of Rehearsal Script, for introducing performers and other members of the production team to the NIOH DC Theatre Standards (PDF, Word.doc)
Needs Assessment
In October of 2017, NIOH DC conducted a Needs Assessment Survey of the DC Metro Theater Community. Over 450 responses were received, highlighting a need for a set of standards, community education, and a clear pathway for recourse.
The slide show takes you through graphical data gathered from the Needs Assessment Survey.