PANEL 3

June 1st, 2021

Future Opportunities for Innovation

Panelists: Tara Beagan, Augusto Bitter, Marjorie Chane, Emma Ferreira, and Mike Payette

Moderators: Marilo Nuñez, Zoe Marin

Graphic for (Re)Setting the Stage Panel 3 "Future opportunities for Innovation"
"If you are casting a BIPOC artist for a project, as a director or creator, part of the work is knowing how to ensure a safe environment for artists to be their comfortable and supported selves. If you’re an engager/director but don’t know how to create space – how to build meaningful connection – that’s okay. Seek the tools to learn with humility. Be aware of the emotional labour that is often endured by our BIPOC artists. A lack of awareness is dangerous."
Poster for the (Re)Setting the Stage Webinar event, designed by Cassandra Henry. Courtesy: Jamie Robinson and Marlis Schweitzer.
Poster for the (Re)Casting the Stage Webinar event, designed by Cassandra Henry. Courtesy: Jamie Robinson and Marlis Schweitzer.

The third panel consisted of crucial conversations centred around creating safer, more inclusive spaces for BIPOC and LGBTQ2+ artists. The push for diversity in institutions and professional companies is only the beginning of the work needed to ensure an inclusive, equitable experience for all.

The panelists spoke about creating a culture of honesty in rehearsal spaces and theatres. They noted that it is not enough to speak about this issue; we must be prepared to do the work to create spaces where artists feel safe valued and respected.

"This highlights for me the importance of making theatre spaces accessible and inviting everyone “to the table”. Institutions need to have conversations and take steps to make sure they’ve created a safe environment for people of color."
"If an institution is unable to have proper conversations regarding race, then it is also unable to safely cast students in roles outside of their race. If students felt supported, they would be able to have these conversations and explore characters unlike themselves with integrity, nuance, and honesty."