Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism

Theatre@First has embarked on a process of learning, reflection, and action to improve equity, diversity, and inclusion within our organization in order to create anti-racist theatre and community. The pages in this section explore different aspects of our ongoing journey. We welcome your feedback and hope you will get involved in this essential process.

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Land Acknowledgment

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which Theatre@First creates our work and the ongoing harm done to its people. Resources are provided for those interested in learning more.

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Solidarity Statements

Statements from our Steering Committee in solidarity with communities targeted by hate and resources for additional information and further action.

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EDI Coordinator

A description of this newly created position and information about the election process.

“Change will not come if we wait for some other peron or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” --Barack Obama

Policy Statements

Specific equity, diversity and inclusion and anti-racist goals and the policies Theatre@First has enacted to achieve those priorities.

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Before You Call the Police

This non-exhaustive list provides non-police resources in the Somerville area.

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Code of Conduct

The commitment we make to act and interact in ways that contribute to an open, welcoming, diverse, inclusive, and healthy community.

"It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences." --Audre Lorde

Resolution Process

Our process for resolving incidents that violate our Code of Conduct and restoring justice within our community.


"It is not enough to be non-racist. We must be anti-racist." --Angela Davis

Anti-Racist Casting Pledge

The pledge we require all directors to commit to as part of the application process to lead a production at Theatre@First.


"Anti-racism is the commitment to fight racism wherever you find it, including in yourself." --Ijeoma Oluo

Introduction to Anti-Racism Learning

Details about the learning process required of all Theatre@First directors and Steering Committee officers.

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Additional Actions

As a measure of accountability and transparency, we maintain this list of actions not mentioned above that we have undertaken in order to create an open, welcoming, diverse, inclusive, and healthy anti-racist community. If you have suggestions for further actions, or would like an update on our anti-racism journey, please email us.

  • teaming up with leaders of other local theatres to find resources, support, and accountability for our actions

  • adding regular accountability reports to our Steering Committee agenda

  • adding BIPOC-centered shows to our monthly recommendations to Steering Committee

  • initiating reading groups (AllStage and A Wider Shelf) to focus on scripts written by BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ authors

  • making the Theatre@First social media forums a space for antiracist theatre resources, links, and discussion

  • raising funds for Black Lives Matter through our online participation in Somerville's ArtBeat 2020 festival

  • instituting a Travel Stipend for all mainstage production participants traveling more than five miles from their homes to our rehearsal/performance spaces

  • adopting a Season Planning Process designed to reduce barriers to participation and empower greater diversity of scripts and directors