Mission
Prologue Theatre understands that it can be difficult, at times, to begin conversations about “certain topics” and focuses on presenting theatre that can serve as that starting point. Through theatrical performance, coupled with community discussion, and expert-led workshops and presentations, we strive to challenge our community to examine and discuss their views of the world and those around them. Our focus is on those who are in the process of finding their own voice – whether 15 or 115 years old – and are looking for a place where they can hone those viewpoints by examining world issues within (and with) their community.
VALUES
Commitment to interact with our audiences, to continue the discussion beyond the performance, is a cornerstone of our company.
As a professional theatre company in the Washington, DC area, we are committed to employing theatre professionals from our local communities and fairly compensating them for their artistic talent.
Prologue Theatre believes in the power of dramatic arts education and the positive effects of participation. Our programs focus on skills and techniques that are relevant for those still in school (high school & college) as well as those looking for personal and professional growth.
As a professional theatre company in the Washington, DC area, we are committed to employing theatre professionals from our local communities and fairly compensating them for their artistic talent.
Prologue Theatre believes in the power of dramatic arts education and the positive effects of participation. Our programs focus on skills and techniques that are relevant for those still in school (high school & college) as well as those looking for personal and professional growth.
#Blacklivesmatter and antiracism statement
June 5, 2020
Dear Patrons, Fellow Artists, Friends, Family, and Community,
Words are important. They matter. They have gravity. They have the ability to incite and inspire, to hurt and demean, to create hatred, to create hope. We are appalled by the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade and many, many others at the hands of police. We are incensed by the acts of police brutality and the systemic racism against Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color. We believe all of this anger and frustration is justified. We also believe that it can become something bigger, something better. We agree with the many voices saying that this should and can be a real turning point in our history. We as a society, as a theatre community, and as a company, cannot remain silent or removed from this. Black lives matter.
We live in a country that was founded and continues to run on a foundation of white supremacy. We recognize that as a theatre run exclusively by white people, we are inherently part of that foundation. We admit that we have not done enough to consistently challenge white supremacy, as well as our own privilege, and that we have work to do. Now and moving forward, we recognize that anything we say or do must be genuine and we must follow through on it with everything we've got.
But these are just words and sometimes words are not enough. Sometimes we need action. To that end, we pledge, moving forward, to work to become an anti-racist organization. That work will include:
We recognize this is just the tip of the iceberg, and we will continue to find ways to make concrete changes to our theatre, and our community.
At its heart, this company was founded on the idea of using art to start conversations. We believe the keys to an effective conversation are, first, to really listen to others and, second, when you speak, speak to understand - not to be understood. So that's what we are doing right now, what everyone who is a part of Prologue Theatre is doing right now – listening and seeking to understand through educating ourselves and offering our support where and when we can. We hope you are able to use some time now to do the same.
Stay safe in all that you do.
Words are important. They matter. They have gravity. They have the ability to incite and inspire, to hurt and demean, to create hatred, to create hope. We are appalled by the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade and many, many others at the hands of police. We are incensed by the acts of police brutality and the systemic racism against Black people, Indigenous people, and people of color. We believe all of this anger and frustration is justified. We also believe that it can become something bigger, something better. We agree with the many voices saying that this should and can be a real turning point in our history. We as a society, as a theatre community, and as a company, cannot remain silent or removed from this. Black lives matter.
We live in a country that was founded and continues to run on a foundation of white supremacy. We recognize that as a theatre run exclusively by white people, we are inherently part of that foundation. We admit that we have not done enough to consistently challenge white supremacy, as well as our own privilege, and that we have work to do. Now and moving forward, we recognize that anything we say or do must be genuine and we must follow through on it with everything we've got.
But these are just words and sometimes words are not enough. Sometimes we need action. To that end, we pledge, moving forward, to work to become an anti-racist organization. That work will include:
- Educating ourselves through research and outreach – and to share our learning with our community members through conversation and activity
- Casting our productions with a greater sense of equity and inclusivity for all - committing to a minimum of 50% actors who are BIPOC
- Supporting our staff and artists in taking action that reflects the values of Prologue Theatre
We recognize this is just the tip of the iceberg, and we will continue to find ways to make concrete changes to our theatre, and our community.
At its heart, this company was founded on the idea of using art to start conversations. We believe the keys to an effective conversation are, first, to really listen to others and, second, when you speak, speak to understand - not to be understood. So that's what we are doing right now, what everyone who is a part of Prologue Theatre is doing right now – listening and seeking to understand through educating ourselves and offering our support where and when we can. We hope you are able to use some time now to do the same.
Stay safe in all that you do.