Format: Online
Location: Zoom 
Participation Level: Medium

Participants will learn techniques for providing equitable access in theatre to people with disabilities, through a racial justice framework. Topics covered include a historical analysis of disabled justice, policies and procedures to make your organization more inclusive, and accessibility equipment and technology. Focus will be given to creating accessible and inclusive spaces for both artists and audience members. 

Workshop Instructors:

Colette Gregory: (she/hers) M.Ed., M.A., is Chief Learning Officer and Co-Founder of Theatre Advocacy Project. She is an award-winning writer, comedian, and cultural sensitivity consultant. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Bachelor of Music in Music Theatre Production from Northwestern University, as well as a Master of Arts and Master of Education in Counseling Psychology from Columbia University–New York. She has over a decade of experience working in administration for several of the country’s foremost theatres. She is also an adjunct professor at The Theatre School at DePaul University and an independent diversity and inclusion consultant. Colette has performed on The Second City Mainstage, toured to colleges and military bases throughout the country using humor to teach sexual assault prevention with Catharsis Productions, and produces SHADE: An Actually Diverse Comedy Show at the world-famous Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

Caylin Waller: (she/hers) M.A., is CEO and Co-founder of TAP. She is an artist, activist, and award-winning scholar and entrepreneur. Her original research titled Creating Accountability in American Theatre, was selected winner of the NYU Steinhardt 9th Annual Research & Scholarship Showcase, and earned her the title of Distinguished Graduate for outstanding contributions to the field of the arts from NYU Steinhardt's Performing Arts Administration (PAA) MA program, from which she is a recent graduate. Caylin was a featured panelist at the 2022 NYU PAA event titled Curtain Up: Spotlight on Financial and Social Sustainability for the Performing Arts, as well as the NYU Entrepreneurial Festival event Women Entrepreneurs Responding to Pressing Needs.

Theater Advocacy Project (TAP): At Theatre Advocacy Project, we've created a system of accountability within the theatre industry to support artists, administrators, and organizations, offering a more satisfactory working experience for all. What started as a research project inspired by first-hand experiences, turned into an opportunity to create meaningful and measurable change. Through our suite of HR and equity, diversity, and inclusion tools, we empower professional theatre leaders to create safer and more equitable work environments for artists and administrators. We help organizations measure the current satisfaction and knowledgeability levels of their contracted and full-time staff in regards to anti-racism, anti-oppression, and anti-harassment, and use this to create impact-based accountability. Based on our research, 85% of professional theatres across the country do not have a formalized HR system in place. Conversely, 70% of performers have experienced workplace abuse, and only 6% had access to a resource for safely reporting their experience. Read our full Industry Report to understand the extent of the realities  theatre professionals are facing today.

All A.R.T./New York workshops, roundtables, and trainings feature automated captioning provided by Zoom. ASL interpretation and CART captioning services are available by request; requests must be made at least 5 business days before the event. For requests, accessibility information, or other accommodations please contact Ashley J. Hicks at [email protected]