Dear Friends & Family,

We can't tell you how much we miss seeing you and sharing our stories with you! The past 18 months have been challenging for all of us, both physically and emotionally, and we eagerly await the time when we can all gather again in the theater.

Your comfort and safety are the highest priority for us, so we are holding off on announcing our season for a few more weeks as we closely watch how COVID continues to impact all of our lives. In the meantime, we wanted to update you about what we've been doing for the past year and our efforts in regards to social justice and anti-racism work. The board and staff have been on an extraordinary journey since January, and we've come to a great many realizations over that time.

We recognize that we live in a world where systemic racism exists and that, as a predominately white organization, Azuka Theatre has benefited from that system. We also recognize the sexism and ableism present in our systems and organizations. We knew changes needed to be made, and we have spent the last year pursuing and affecting that change.

To that end, we have centered Equity, Diversity and Inclusion as core values of the company. Our goal is to do better, be better and promote change, not only here but in our theatrical community as well. We encourage everyone to do their part in making that change and in keeping Azuka accountable as we learn and grow. We have created an Anonymous Community Response form on our website that anyone can access and leave a comment about the work we are doing or need to do.

Azuka is committed to expanding its search for artistic collaborators that reflect the diversity of the city and will ensure such collaborations occur in New Pages, on the board and staff, and in all aspects of our operations. We have relied on the We See You White American Theater list of demands to shape our actions, and we're eternally grateful to the artists who compiled that list for providing us with such a clear framework for next steps.

Here are some action steps we've put into place to begin incorporating real change into the organization:

Azuka will display a permanent and prominent Indigenous Land Acknowledgment in our lobby and administrative spaces and on our website. This acknowledgment will also be read at all board meetings and public events, as well as be incorporated into first rehearsals, initial production design meetings, and first technical rehearsals.
We will cease the practice of 10 out of 12 technical rehearsals, while ensuring proper time for safety and the creative process.
With our current budget of $400,000/year we have committed to equitable pay for actors, stage managers and designers. All actors will be paid a minimum of $15/hour, while designers, directors and playwrights will all receive a 20% raise over FY2019 pay scale.
At least one of our three productions per year will be generated and led by BIPOC artists.
Azuka has created a line item in our annual budget dedicating resources for continued anti-racist, anti-sexist, anti-oppression training for staff and board.

The process is an ongoing one, so this list should not be considered comprehensive or final; instead, it's just the beginning. We’re striving to make anyone and everyone feel welcomed and safe at Azuka — regardless of race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender expression or ability. We are open to receiving ideas and feedback, and we're committed to listening to input from our community. Above all, we're excited about the changes that are coming to Azuka and we hope you are, too!

So, as we consider our return to in-person performance, here's what we CAN tell you about this season -- we'll be doing three World Premieres by three Philadelphia playwrights! For one of these playwrights, it's her first full professional production. All three directors of these shows are new to the company as well. We'll be continuing our groundbreaking Pay What You Decide ticketing initiative, so every performance is available for anyone who wants to come and enjoy first rate professional theater. If this is exciting for you, (and c'mon, it's pretty exciting!), please consider making a donation to help us bring all of this great work to life.

Thank you for your continued support and we hope to see you at the theater!

Sincerely,
Kevin Glaccum & Mark H. Andrews, Company Members