Asolo Rep Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Commitment Statement

Asolo Rep is committed to becoming a more inclusive, diverse, and anti-racist institution at all levels. In order to intentionally address injustice and racism we believe theatre must become a leading force in telling the stories of our time to inform and influence a better future. We will reflect upon our past, investigate our current course of action, and develop a responsive and sustainable plan to break down barriers to access and challenge racism and bias within our institution and our community.

In the Summer of 2020 Asolo Rep received a call-to-action letter from five Black students of the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training as well as the We See You White American Theater open letter and demands. These documents have been critical in informing our conversations and shaping our actions. Our commitment to Anti-Racism, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) requires that we continue to actively listen, seek learning opportunities, create space for direct and open discourse and strive to meet people where they are - taking time to effect lasting change together.

To that end, Asolo Rep is currently:

• Forming an Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access (IDEA) Team with dedicated financial resources to strategically align Anti-Racism, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access as an institutional core value
• Providing anti-racist and IDEA training with trained facilitators for all full-time staff, apprentices/fellows, and board
• Deepening our commitment to lifting our BIPOC staff, board and artists voices
• Supporting, advocating and providing resources to allow BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, neuro-diverse and all artists’ to realize their unique vision
• Examining internal processes with an IDEA lens (including but not limited to BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, Neurodiverse and Persons with Disabilities) to recruit, hire and retain our staff, artists and craftspeople
• Redefining the FSU/Asolo Conservatory student and sponsor relationship following an extensive review and reimagining process

This is a living document and will continue to be developed as we engage and learn in this all-important work.