Reopening Broadway Strives for Inclusion and Diversity

As Broadway prepares to reopen, productions are attempting to create a more equitable environment in the wake of reports of racism within the industry. The Broadway League hired Gennean Scott as its first Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion back in May, and now individual Broadway productions are following suit.

Recently, Wicked named Christina Alexander as Director of Social Responsibility. In this new role, Alexander will work for the Broadway, West End and touring productions of the show to create anti-harassment policies for the workplace, as well as increase diversity in casting and hiring. She will also work with non-profit partners and consult on how the productions can increase diversity in audiences too.

Moulin Rouge! is another show that is attempting to fight for a more equitable industry. Their new Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Chloe Beck, will work on the Broadway, West End, touring and Australian productions of the show to create a more diverse environment.

Productions are also attempting diversity in a broader sense due to work by organization Black Theatre United, created in the wake of last year’s police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Founding members include legendary theatre artists such as Audra McDonald, Brian Stokes Mitchell and Billy Porter.

Black Theatre United created a document called “A New Deal for Broadway,” a pact that was negotiated over several months as the industry was closed. Signed by some of the most powerful industry members, including owners and operators of all 41 Broadway theatres, the Broadway League and Actors’ Equity Association, the agreement intends to strengthen Broadway and touring productions’ diversity practices through assessing issues of equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and belonging (EDIAB).

This includes things such as diversity training and mentorship programs, but also more specific ways regarding individual sectors. For example, The Shubert Organization, the Nederlander Organization and Jujamcyn Theatre each will name a theatre after a Black artist. Creatives pledge to “never assemble an all-white creative team on a production again, regardless of the subject matter of the show.”

The document outlines many different ways to achieve EDIAB reforms in different areas, focusing on Black individuals but hoping to support greater inclusion for everyone in theatre.

“BLACK THEATRE UNITED was proud to host this remarkable and historic collaboration. It is an important first step to reopening our industry with a bright spotlight focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging for Black professionals in the arts,” Black Theatre United says on its website. “Though one of many initiatives created by Black, BIPOC and allied organizations since the death of George Floyd, BTU’s Summit is the first to bring together all areas of our industry from theatre owners, producers, creatives, casting and unions. We are grateful to all those who have worked diligently with us for the last six months and to all those who committed to the principles of this document by signing their names to it.”

As Broadway slowly reopens in full, these efforts will ensure that all groups are equally represented and the industry can become a more inclusive and diverse space.