URI Theatre is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusivity for all: in both the classroom and in our production season.

This year has brought to light a number of systematic inequities for marginalized members of our country: especially of BIPOC people. The Black Lives Matter movement has made clear the unbelievable number of deaths and inequities that so many Black citizens face on a daily basis. It has been a catalyst for change on every level of our society. The University and the Theatre Department are no different.

The department is working to make sure that we, as a community, are together in this. We hope that you will join us in making sure that the traditionally marginalized members of our department are treated with respect, love, and compassion. We need to support and protect our department from any acts of bigotry.

We are better because of our diverse community. Everyone has a part to play toward solidarity. We will stand firmly our commitment to be a space that actively combats racism and bigotry.

URI Theatre is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusivity for all: in both the classroom and in our production season. There will be no discrimination based on: Age, Color, Family/marital status, Gender, Identity/expression, National or Ethnic origin, Race, Religion, Sexual identity, Socio-economic status, Veteran and/or Disability status.

There a number of initiatives that we are enacting for the Fall semester:

• Implement two Chair’s Diversity Advisory Councils in Fall 2020, focusing on the challenges faced by a diverse student body. One will be made students and one of alumni. Both will be made up of 5 diverse members.
• Increase efforts to update syllabi to reflect the work of artists of color.
• Expand our recruitment efforts and annual First-Year student scholarships; including dedicating two scholarships to local students from underrepresented communities.
• Expand the focus of THE383 (History of Modern Theatre) to include the role of theatre activism and contemporary playwrights of color.
• Expand professional networking opportunities for and the promotion of work by graduates of color.
• Review all production policy documents and revisit departmental diversity statements, in consultation with the Office of Community, Equity, and Diversity.
• Continue exploration of a new faculty member through the Diversity Visiting Scholar program, with the hope that it may turn into a permanent position within the department.
• We will be consulting with Dean Riley, the Dean of Arts and Sciences, and Dr. Joanna Revello, Office of Equity and Diversity, to further this work.
• Engage the Office of Community, Equity, and Diversity to facilitate important work regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion and continued anti-bias/anti-racism training for all faculty and staff.
• This is not the end of what we will do; but just the start. We will continue this work every semester.

You are valued here, whether you are acting, writing, directing, designing the set, running sound, or sewing the costumes. This respect for the work that everyone does—both on stage and off—defines the URI theatre department’s approach.