Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access

We will create an inclusive space for all races, all ethnicities, all genders, all identities, all orientations, all abilities, all creeds, and all ages; where artists and audiences of all backgrounds see themselves and their stories represented.

We will create an equitable space, in which all employees feel safe, respected, and valued; and where voices that have been historically silenced are amplified.

We will create an accessible space, where the experience of live theatre is reachable for all, regardless of socio-economic class, educational background, or ability.

We will create a diverse space in the types of plays we produce, in the races and experiences of our creative teams, and in the makeup of the audiences who attend our productions.

We will make Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access integral to our mission as a nonprofit organization, to our identity as a company, and to our future as a business.

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company unequivocally condemns racism in every form, including but not limited to individual, structural, and systemic. We stand with our community in support of BLACK LIVES MATTER and other organizations committed to ending hatred and violence. We explicitly and publicly affirm our identity as an anti-racist organization and resolve to create a company, produce art, and engage our community in a way that is truly for all.

We are determined that our anti-racism commitment be reflected in the life and culture of our organization through our policies, programs, and practices. To that end we adopted a 5-year Strategic Plan in October 2020 and a comprehensive Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Plan in January 2021. These plans clearly identify our goals and will be used to hold our Leadership, Board, Staff, and Institution accountable for delivering against our stated values.

We recognize that this work is ongoing, iterative, and never done. We value accountability based in transparency, clarity, and ownership over accountability based in fear, shame, and punishment. In that spirit, we welcome anyone willing to engage with us in good faith as we continue this work. To learn more about our Strategic Plan, DEIA Plan, or to start a dialogue with us about anti-racism at CSC, please call Brian Phillips, Producing Artistic Director, at 513-381-2273, ext. 3207.