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, 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
When we founded Prologue Theatre in 2018, in addition to our commitment to starting conversations with and among our audiences, we had many of our own conversations about how we want to operate as an organization. Over time, we’ve distilled those commitments into a series of core values.
We don’t see these as a list of words, but rather as an essential lens through which we operate and make decisions. It’s also important to us to share them with you – our community of artists, audience, donors, and partners – as values in practice.
As you read through them, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or feedback. We are evolving and growing, both as people and as an organization, and your support is invaluable to that process.
We don’t see these as a list of words, but rather as an essential lens through which we operate and make decisions. It’s also important to us to share them with you – our community of artists, audience, donors, and partners – as values in practice.
As you read through them, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or feedback. We are evolving and growing, both as people and as an organization, and your support is invaluable to that process.
#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.