Tim Dang, producing artistic director of East West Players, has written an initiative that calls for at least 51% of those employed by Southern California theater companies by 2019 to be people of color, women or those younger than 35.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Plan seeks diversity at SoCal theater companies — but some question it
Tim Dang, producing artistic director of East West Players, has written an initiative that calls for at least 51% of those employed by Southern California theater companies by 2019 to be people of color, women or those younger than 35.
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This is very concerning. I can see where they're coming from in terms of attempting to take steps to diversify the theatre community in southern California, however at the same time they would DEFINITELY be in violation of Federal Law, and looking a bit ridiculous while they’re doing it. Yes, it is of utmost importance to remember that keeping communities diverse allows for more diverse theatrical experiences overall. There are some things that just can’t/shouldn’t be represented with white performers. However, it seems that a big draw for them doing this is that they believe that it would bring in more diverse audiences, so it doesn’t even seem like they’re worried about introducing a more diverse community for any other reason than money. The whole plan just really doesn’t seem thought through.
I think it is a great idea to make it so the theatre company will include more diversity in their employees not only just more people of color and woman but also getting more of the younger generation in because especially with the growing technology and just the new perspective and ideas in general. The same goes with POC and women and their perspectives and ideas.
At the same time I agree with Brennan about the concern that they will be hiring people who are not as qualified, or firing current people to make room for the more diverse newcomers. Also, it’s not so much getting more people of color jobs in the theatre industry, I think first they have to worry about making it so more POC and women can get to theatre school or have an interest in theatre, especially since it’s such a different type of job from your run of the mill doctor, engineer, ect.
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