Steps in Progress: “Support, Showcase, Educate!”
Theatre of Youth has ongoing efforts to showcase a more diverse set of actors, creatives and stories. Still, in order to truly foster a more inclusive and harmonious artistic community, we will be taking diversity initiatives within our Educational Packets, Playbills, Programming and Company Culture with the goal to Support, Showcase and Educate.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
TOY is an educational theatre and therefore has a responsibility to raise awareness of the significance of indigenous heritage and culture stemming from past, present and future generations.
The Allendale Theater is located on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy of Nations, also known as the Six Nations- the Seneca, Tuscarora, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, and Mohawk Nations.
We continue to honor the The Dish with One Spoon Treaty of Peace and Friendship and the Treaty of Canandaigua that calls us to respect Haudenosaunee land rights and responsibly nurture the resources that were shared with us in the vicinity of the Great Lakes.
As a theatrical company we wish to honor the rich Indigenous culture of storytelling while promoting and nurturing a diverse and safe space for all. We recognize that a Territorial Land Acknowledgement is a starting point and we intend to take actionable steps to Educate our audiences to help promote a deeper understanding of and respect for indigenous traditions, land stewardship, and cultural contributions.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION – Monthly Observances (Links)
BOOK RECOMMENDATION LINKS
Talking Leaves… Books
May 8th – International Women’s Day
Alice, Ever After Books
April 2nd – World Autism Day
June 16th – Father’s Day
Second Chapter Bookstore
April 22nd – Earth Day
Current/On-Going Projects
Discovering Diversity Series: Be on the lookout for pages in our Pre- and Post-Show workbooks that highlight, educate and celebrate what makes every person/culture special and unique.
TOY For Tomorrow Project: Stay tuned for news on this 2024/2025 project to be displayed in our Lobby!
We are learning every day, leading with good intentions and will always be open to feedback for continuous improvement. Contact us: [email protected]