September 17, 2020
|
At the annual meeting the membership voted in four board members (three returning, one new) as well as a new Parliamentarian. The following Monday at the regularly scheduled board meeting positions were voted on as follows:
In addition to voting on positions within the board five committee chairs were confirmed by the Board:
Steve Pugh - Facilities Chair Emily Quade - Membership Chair Sarah Gravelle - Outreach Chair Meg Pugh - Production Chair Stacey Park - PR & Marketing Chair Several topics were brought for discussion by members attending both in person and online at the annual meeting. The board of directors took some time at the follow up meeting to further address those questions. Please use the drop down section below to see the questions and responses. |
|
Does the Theatre have a diversity statement written down and where?
Yes, The Newtowne Players has an Equal Opportunity Statement included in the existing Policies & Procedures Manual. It can be found under Participation in section 2.1.3
"NTP endorses the goals of diversity and inclusion, the principle of equal opportunity, and condemns racism, prejudice, discrimination, and exclusion for all participants in NTP activities. To these ends, it is NTP’s policy that no person shall be excluded from or discriminated against in participation, membership, or production opportunities in any theatrical discipline or area of theatrical production based on race, color, culture, age, gender, physical disability, or sexual orientation. While we recognize that there can be no interference with the artistic integrity or contractual rights of the author, director, or other production members, we urge all NTP participants to challenge traditional stereotypes. We acknowledge that the growth and vitality of our theater is dependent upon the inclusion of diverse voices and impulses in writing, casting, directing, and producing. Casting decisions must be based upon the needs of the production. There shall be no agreements made to cast based on factors not inherently tied to the production."
In addition to the Equal Opportunity Statement there is also an inclusion statement that is signed by everyone participating in a production. This statement is intended to further reinforce The Newtowne Players position on inclusivity and diversity.
"I recognize and respect that The Newtowne Players are committed to providing an inclusive, open-minded, and safe environment, in which all participants can enjoy the theater in an atmosphere of respect and tolerance to empower each other without enabling destructive behaviors and attitudes. This means that each and every member should feel welcome to participate in theater events free of threats, intimidation, harassment, bullying, and the deliberate, or negligent, creation of unsafe conditions. I agree to help maintain this safe space and not engage in any activities which would make anyone feel uncomfortable, or not welcome. Including, but not limited to; bullying, harassment; physical violence; or offensive behavior."
The membership question brought to our attention that these statements were buried in documents and may not be getting the attention they deserve. To that end we have updated several pages on our website (About, Get Involved, Accessibility, Membership and Auditions) to ensure that the Policies & Procedures Manual is more accessible and that the statements are visible.
"NTP endorses the goals of diversity and inclusion, the principle of equal opportunity, and condemns racism, prejudice, discrimination, and exclusion for all participants in NTP activities. To these ends, it is NTP’s policy that no person shall be excluded from or discriminated against in participation, membership, or production opportunities in any theatrical discipline or area of theatrical production based on race, color, culture, age, gender, physical disability, or sexual orientation. While we recognize that there can be no interference with the artistic integrity or contractual rights of the author, director, or other production members, we urge all NTP participants to challenge traditional stereotypes. We acknowledge that the growth and vitality of our theater is dependent upon the inclusion of diverse voices and impulses in writing, casting, directing, and producing. Casting decisions must be based upon the needs of the production. There shall be no agreements made to cast based on factors not inherently tied to the production."
In addition to the Equal Opportunity Statement there is also an inclusion statement that is signed by everyone participating in a production. This statement is intended to further reinforce The Newtowne Players position on inclusivity and diversity.
"I recognize and respect that The Newtowne Players are committed to providing an inclusive, open-minded, and safe environment, in which all participants can enjoy the theater in an atmosphere of respect and tolerance to empower each other without enabling destructive behaviors and attitudes. This means that each and every member should feel welcome to participate in theater events free of threats, intimidation, harassment, bullying, and the deliberate, or negligent, creation of unsafe conditions. I agree to help maintain this safe space and not engage in any activities which would make anyone feel uncomfortable, or not welcome. Including, but not limited to; bullying, harassment; physical violence; or offensive behavior."
The membership question brought to our attention that these statements were buried in documents and may not be getting the attention they deserve. To that end we have updated several pages on our website (About, Get Involved, Accessibility, Membership and Auditions) to ensure that the Policies & Procedures Manual is more accessible and that the statements are visible.
Can We form a diversity committee?
Yes. As with any other committee formed at The Newtowne Players, the board encourages membership participation in the day to day operations of the theatre. The process of forming a committee requires a proposed charter that is presented to the board for review and voting. Once the charter is approved the board will confirm a chairperson for the committee and it will be added to the Committee Council.
Several members expressed interest in forming a diversity committee. For more information or to be connected to that group of members send your contact information to info@newtowneplayers.org
Several members expressed interest in forming a diversity committee. For more information or to be connected to that group of members send your contact information to info@newtowneplayers.org
Member's Statement
One of our members, Kenny Faison, asked to read a statement he had prepared prior to the meeting. With his permission it is copied here:
"I have been a part of the NTP community since 2016. I have two questions for the board tonight. First, why did NTP not put out a statement of support standing with the black community? For those who are unaware, only a few short months ago another unarmed black man, Ahmad Berry, and woman, Breonna Taylor, were killed. This sparked a massive uproar in communities across the country and the world. So for a theater that preaches it is a supporting community, why was no support shown to the black community? I found it disheartening when I saw that NTP did not make a statement, but almost every other theater did this. My intent is/was not to come off as disrespectful, but to gain answers to my questions that go beyond being dismissed with the statement “we don’t want to be political” because at the end of the day this issue is not political but a humanitarian issue. My intent with these questions was to just find out why the theater community I love and support refused to support the community that I am proud to be a member of."
There was discussion during the meeting and in the interest of time, members were invited to sit in on the Board Meeting on Sept. 21 where further discussion took place.
While some business have chosen to make statements, The Newtowne Players has always taken a neutral stance regarding social, political and religious commentary in our communication with the public including statements made on Facebook, directors notes and published articles produced by NTP. Our mission is:
"To promote all aspects of the performing arts in Southern Maryland. We provide quality entertainment to the surrounding communities as we foster, promote and increase the public knowledge and appreciation of the arts and cultural activities in Southern Maryland, and make live theatre affordable and available to as many members of the surrounding communities as possible."
With that primary focus in mind we allow our plays and our communication to be entertainment focused. We are a diverse community of individuals to include people of all races, sexual orientation, religion, and occupation. Our goal is to provide a safe place for all of them outside social, political or religious boundaries.
"I have been a part of the NTP community since 2016. I have two questions for the board tonight. First, why did NTP not put out a statement of support standing with the black community? For those who are unaware, only a few short months ago another unarmed black man, Ahmad Berry, and woman, Breonna Taylor, were killed. This sparked a massive uproar in communities across the country and the world. So for a theater that preaches it is a supporting community, why was no support shown to the black community? I found it disheartening when I saw that NTP did not make a statement, but almost every other theater did this. My intent is/was not to come off as disrespectful, but to gain answers to my questions that go beyond being dismissed with the statement “we don’t want to be political” because at the end of the day this issue is not political but a humanitarian issue. My intent with these questions was to just find out why the theater community I love and support refused to support the community that I am proud to be a member of."
There was discussion during the meeting and in the interest of time, members were invited to sit in on the Board Meeting on Sept. 21 where further discussion took place.
While some business have chosen to make statements, The Newtowne Players has always taken a neutral stance regarding social, political and religious commentary in our communication with the public including statements made on Facebook, directors notes and published articles produced by NTP. Our mission is:
"To promote all aspects of the performing arts in Southern Maryland. We provide quality entertainment to the surrounding communities as we foster, promote and increase the public knowledge and appreciation of the arts and cultural activities in Southern Maryland, and make live theatre affordable and available to as many members of the surrounding communities as possible."
With that primary focus in mind we allow our plays and our communication to be entertainment focused. We are a diverse community of individuals to include people of all races, sexual orientation, religion, and occupation. Our goal is to provide a safe place for all of them outside social, political or religious boundaries.
If a cancelled show is selected again will the production team need to reapply?
Yes. We understand that in an all volunteer theatre, life sometimes gets in the way of play. We cannot assume that the original production team is still available especially since dates and location in the season could change; however, if a member had already committed to a show and would like to continue with it preference will be given.
Is the theatre now open and if so what are the safety protocols in place?
No, the theatre is not open for the public yet. We are able to hold our regular meetings and committees such as the properties and costumes guild and play selection may resume operations in the building.
We have approved safety protocols from the Health Department that all members entering the building are expected to abide by.
We have approved safety protocols from the Health Department that all members entering the building are expected to abide by.
- Masking for all. All members, guests, and others who enter the facility shall wear face coverings.
- Social distancing: For meetings and gatherings, seating will ensure social distancing, as will lines, areas of egress, or other gatherings. Capacity to seating will be limited to 50% or less, ensuring social distance can be maintained.
- Cleaning: Surfaces will be routinely cleaned, especially before and after events.
- Hand Sanitizer: Hand sanitizer will be placed at each entrance and exit, as well as other areas around the theatre.
- Signage: Signs will be posted throughout the theatre to remind guests of protocols, including social distancing, masking, hand washing- including signs posted at the entrance.
- Training for all volunteers: Providing a review of health, safety, and cleaning protocols for all volunteers and members.