At EdTA, We Promote Radical Belonging
Radical belonging means more than inclusion – it’s about creating theatre education spaces where every student, teacher, volunteer, and guest feels seen, valued, and empowered to thrive. At EdTA, diversity, equity, and access are not add-ons but essential to who we are. We are committed to being an anti-racist organization and to advancing racial equity through intentional action.
Our work is about building transformative and vital theatre spaces that model what radical belonging can look like. Throughout our programs and at our events, we strive to ensure spaces are:
- Culturally responsive
- Community-building
- Innovative and thought-provoking
- Fun and joyful
- Oriented toward social change
- Grounded in vulnerability and responsiveness
By embracing these values, we equip our members and participants with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to advocate for theatre and arts education, while ensuring that every interaction with EdTA reflects our core belief:
Theatre matters because people matter.
Anti-Racism Statement
Exposure to theatre changes minds, builds empathy, helps to interrogate problems, connects us to one another and stimulates creativity. Therefore, every student must have theatre as a vital and essential part of their education and existence. To shape lives and ensure a future where equity is the norm and diversity is a cherished benefit of theatre, EdTA, ETF, and ITS will honor student achievement, support educators, and influence public opinion through an anti-racist lens in our operating and governance practices, and programming and support services. The future of the field is determined by our youth and their multicultural stories. Ensuring an equitable and diverse theatre future is paramount and requires all theatre educators, students, and practitioners to act now.
Racial Equity Action Plan
Our anti-racism statement is part of a three-year racial equity action plan developed by the boards, staff, and chapter leadership of EdTA and ETF in 2023. The plan outlines the specific outcomes we’re working to achieve and our process to develop the plan.
Radical Belonging in Practice
Creating Inclusive Experiences
At our events, EdTA strives to create a welcoming and equitable environment for all, from housing assignments to physical accessibility to racial representation. Our events aim to offer brave spaces, promote inclusion, build cultural competency, and broaden attendees’ horizons. We want every student and teacher to feel at home, while challenging our community to always strive to do more and do better toward access and inclusion.
No one participating in an EdTA event or activity may be harassed or discriminated against based on any protected characteristics. Individuals found in violation of this policy may be dismissed from activities or other participation.
Promoting Inclusion by Expanding Access
EdTA’s charitable arm, the Educational Theatre Foundation, operates two programs focused specifically on equity and access: Pathway and JumpStart Theatre. Pathway provides grants and mentorship to enrich high school theatre programs in communities facing equitable disparities. JumpStart Theatre equips middle schools without theatre programs to launch sustainable productions, giving students their first opportunity to experience the stage. Together, these initiatives ensure that students everywhere have access to transformative theatre experiences.
More About Radical Belonging at EdTA
Racial Equity Plan 2024 Progress Report
Making Strides in Theatre DEIA As an anti-racist organization, EdTA is committed to making theatre education and every aspect of
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EdTA complies with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans With Disabilities Act, and all other related federal, state, and local employment laws. EdTA does not discriminate based on age, disability, national origin, race, religion, gender identity, or sexual orientation in regard to any term, condition, employment, program, event, or service.