Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Department of Theatre

The Department of Theatre recognizes the historical, economic, physical, and cultural obstacles that have excluded many from making and seeing theatre. We acknowledge that we have been complicit in racism and other practices that have made theatre at Miami University inaccessible. As a department we want to strive to tell the stories of ALL people, and we resolve to make ALL welcome in our classes, productions, and audiences. In order to do this, we recognize we must transform our practices to become antiracist and inclusive. 

During the 2020-2022 academic years we renewed our commitment to transformation through reflective practices to create an action plan that will lead to change.  We will update this plan annually to share actions we have undertaken.  This is a working document, and we invite everyone to participate in our path towards transformation. With this statement and our action plan, we resolve to:

  • Transform the composition of the department so that we are a community of diverse artists who tell diverse stories
  • Become aware of our implicit biases and assumptions as artists so that we can be open to dialogue and deeper understanding
  • Prioritize the safety and well-being of artists by recognizing how demands for productivity can distort our creative process
  • Make space for voices that have been silenced and activate opportunities for student and community participation
  • Employ pedagogies that recognize and value different ways of knowing and being in the world
  • Welcome ALL people to our spaces with accommodations as necessary, practicing kindness and respect in our work
  • Advocate for antiracist practices and inclusion in our theatre profession and the arts and strive for social justice in the theatre that we make together