Diversity Off-Stage: new networks seek an increase in representation
I would like you to try something: imagine a play and imagine the actors. Now, in your imagination, are the majority of them white, if not all? If they are, chances are you’re not alone. We can all thank white supremacy for that.
Diversity in theatre is an issue that recently has been brought up more and more often, and many theatres have implemented policies to make sure their actors are representative of society.
For instance, it is now more common to see actors on stage that hail from ethnic backgrounds other than caucasian. But, even though theatres have started embracing diversity on their stages, there is still some work to do behind the scenes.
To see a play featuring people from diverse backgrounds doesn’t mean that the whole theatre company is suddenly an ambassador of diversity in the workplace. Unfortunately, the off-stage remains incredibly homogenous, leaving little room for change.
To combat this, the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union (BECTU) has decided to launch a Theatre Diversity Action Plan.
This plan has seen backstage job vacancies of 50 London theatres advertised in job centres around the city, and this move hopes to see more applications from Black and Asian minorities to theatre jobs.
Other societies and theatres are trying to open up their application process to attract people from minority backgrounds. For instance, lighting designer Prema Mehta, supported by the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) and UK Theatre, has started a network to help to create a more diverse workforce backstage.
The network, called Stage Sight, seeks to increase applications from minority groups in all areas, from ethnicity to ability. It asks organizations and professionals to widen recruitment, advertise more off-stage roles and introduce new training opportunities.
Many organizations already decided to take part, with some notable examples being Disney Theatrical Group, The Association of British Theatre Technicians, and the National Theatre.
The network started operating a little over a year ago and has already helped to create a backstage workforce more representative of society. It is definitely a place to go if you are looking into a new off-stage career opportunity and you come from a minority background.
When thinking about theatre shows, the first people that come to mind are the actors, the director, or the orchestra. Rarely people think about all of the people off-stage that work tirelessly to deliver beautiful stage shows.
It is time to advertise more of these roles that are so crucial for the proper functioning of a theatre, and it is important that this opportunity reaches all members of society.
Written by Cloe Grampa