MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY

A Message of Solidarity

ACT of CT is renewing our commitment to our BIPOC neighbors and colleagues, and vows to continue to learn and listen. We commit to an ongoing dedication to hiring BIPOC artists and we pledge to do the work needed to be inclusive, including:

Amplifying BIPOC Voices
Supporting BIPOC Stories
Engaging BIPOCTalent

As we continue to evolve the specific ways by which we will actualize these items, we will update this statement.

Our actions since June 2020 have included:

Resident Music Supervisor Bryan Perri helped to launch (and is a founding member) of MUSE Musicians United For Social Equity). MUSE is committed to creating diversity within the music departments of the theatre industry by providing access, internships, mentorships, and support to historically marginalized people of color.

We introduced the First ACT! Scholarship which was was created to support, encourage and nurture students of all socio-economic backgrounds, races, ethnicities and genders so that they may receive the highest level of training and theatrical education possible.

Artistic Director Daniel C. Levine and Resident Music Supervisor Bryan Perri (who is also Music Director for Broadway’s "Jagged Little Pill") participated in the creation of 'Ridgefield Allies: What Can I Do? What Can We Do?'. Ridgefield Allies virtual rally as well as subsequent livestream events can be viewed on their website.

We proudly donated 10% of ticket sales form our virtual gala ("ACT's Annual Gala: Extended Intermission Edition!") to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.

We have (and will continue to) invite the next generation of BIPOC actors, singers and music directors in our community, to participate in our ‘virtual lessons program’. Lessons include piano, voice and orchestral conducting.

We (along with nine other local arts organizations) helped in the creation of Ridgefield's Diversity Film Series. This series will screen a variety of films that examine, celebrate and amplify the voice of Black Cinema. The series ran for 10 weeks this past fall.

We are in the process of creating a program (currently named "Share the Stand") which will offer paid mentorship opportunities for BIPOC who wish to pursue careers as music directors, choral conductors and other music department roles.

We are committed to achieving a diverse workforce and to maintaining an inclusive and discrimination-free work environment.