Bay Area theater faces a critical moment requiring new initiatives to secure its future. Prominent figures in the theater community emphasize the urgent need for diversification in programming. Many theaters exhibit hesitance in broadening their selections to include diverse voices and stories. Although there has been progress in presenting more varied plays, there remains a significant lack of representation for Latinx, Indigenous, and disabled performers. Cultivating a more inclusive audience is essential; enhancing programming diversity will likely lead to audience growth, ensuring the sustainability of the theater community.
The theater landscape ebbs and flows, and despite an uptick in diverse plays, many theaters hesitate to include more than one 'Asian' or 'Black' play.
There is a staggering amount of new work and playwrights with distinct voices available; companies just need to be willing to produce them.
If companies diversify their programming, audiences will usually follow, which is essential to keep theater doors open and support inclusive communities.
The theaters should reflect the world we live in, making an intentional effort to create work that enriches and grows their audience base.
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