Statement of Support and Solidarity

From Trap Door Theatre

Since we made our last statement, we have been reviewing policy and starting to put our staff through anti-racism training. In order to give ourselves the necessary time to learn, listen, and implement change, we’ve chosen to stay quiet on social media.

Going forward, we want to use our platform not only to amplify our BIPOC artists but also to provide our community and patrons with educational materials, organizations to donate to, and ways to engage meaningfully.

To be transparent and hold ourselves accountable, we also want to share the actions we’ve taken within our organization so far:

• We’re growing our company to better reflect the world we live in.

• We’re prioritizing BIPOC artists, including for the next production in our Trap Open series, our annual International Voices Project, and our next main stage show.

• We’re seeking BIPOC board members.

• All staff members and incoming artist teams are required to receive anti-racism training within the next few months. Some already have attended workshops with ROAR and Erasing Racism through the League of Chicago Theaters.

• We’ve been working with our international contacts to find playwrights and directors of color.

• We’re in the process of hiring training consultants to work with our staff to foster open dialogue within our company and ensure we are providing a safe space for everyone.

• We’ve continued to make donations as our funds allow.

• We’ve implemented more transparency in hiring and the stipends available for staff and artists.

• We’re reviewing our understudy policy to ensure that we are able to offer our artists MRE.

• We’ve prioritized the need of BIPOC artists for the distribution of COVID-19 related funds.

These are just the first steps and are committed to improving. We will continue to listen,  learn, and institute long-term and structural change both in our organization and community.