Policies & Procedures: Equity and Diversity

Byron Youth Theatre (BYT) upholds the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations : Equity upheld and Diversity respected

 

Byron Youth Theatre acknowledges the Arakwal people of the Bundjalung Nation and ongoing Custodians of the land on which we work here in Byron Bay, Australia.  We also achnowledge all Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia.

We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ continuing connection to land, place, waters and community. We pay our respects to them, their heritage and cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.

Byron Youth Theatre is committed to recognizing, addressing and eliminating all forms of racism, ethnic oppression and biases on our stages, in our staff, and on our board. We understand that bias can be unconscious or unintentional and that racism is the combination of social and institutional power plus racial prejudice. We acknowledge the historical legacy of exclusion and marginalization in theatre. We are committed to providing a just, equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible space for every member of our community.

 EQUITY AND DIVERSITY 

Our goal is to provide outstanding theatre experience for everyone. We wholeheartedly believe that a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion across all of our theatre’s work makes us a strong, creative, and relevant space for all in our local community and beyond.

This policy should be read in conjunction with our Code of Conduct and our Child Safety Policy found on this website

We are committed to:

  • creating an environment that promotes dignity and respect to all
  • making sure that our policies, procedures and practice comply with best practice
  • evaluating the impact of our policies and services and making changes to them where they impact unfairly or adversely on any group
  • making sure that selection across all roles in our theatre, both on and off stage, is free from discrimination, except where there is a genuine requirement for artistic reasons
  • making reasonable adjustments for disabled participants, volunteers and visitors
  • creating an environment in which individual differences and the contributions of all our participants, volunteers, in rehearsals, classes and both on and off stage, are recognised and valued
  • putting on shows that reflect our diverse communities, and encouraging participation that is inclusive and representative of all in this country
  • developing ways to monitor the diversity of our members, audiences and volunteers to ensure that we reflect the diverse communities we serve
  • building opportunities to engage with communities who are not well represented in our theatre.

All those who are involved with the work of our theatre are responsible for:

  • making sure that their behaviour and actions do not amount to discrimination, harassment, bullying or victimisation in any way
  • recognising and respecting the needs and backgrounds of others
  • raising any concerns about discriminatory or otherwise inappropriate behaviour on the part of others involved in the work of the theatre.

Our policy in practice

Our current work with our local community

 

We hold open auditions throughout the year for those who wish to join our Advanced BYT company.  We encourage young people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Isander to apply, assisting them in audition preparation.   We offer discounts to young people who’s parents or guardians are experiencing financial hardship.  We also offer payment plans to those in similiar circumstances.  We also offer susbtantial discount to those doing more than one class

 Young people are involved in the creation of our productions.  We also interview and survey local young people ( with permission) to better understand their needs, ideas, concerns, hopes and fears.  These are included in our productions.  We devise 2 new productions a year and often reproduce specific productions concerning mental and sexual health for conferences or special events.  These cover a range of genres and a balance of roles.

We have 4 youth drama classes operating.  Two in Byron called Try BYT 8-11 yrs & First BYT 12-15 yrs.  Two in Mullumbimby under the name of MPACT : Mullum Performing Arts Community Theatre, for the same age range.   Both premises have disability ramps and we welcome young people who are mixed ability.

Our theatre offers multiple opportunities for those who want to participate in ways other than acting, through backstage and technical support, set building and costuming, front of house roles, and in general administration and governance of the theatre. 

Our future plans

We intend to increase our engagement with our community over the next few years. This includes:

  • more outreach work with local schools and colleges, charities and community groups
  • developing a production in collaboration with local First Nations performers
  • reflect the diversity of our community in the productions we create
  • further development of our programme of workshops to build acting and technical skills
  • increasing our engagement with other theatres in NSW and with the wider arts and music community.

BYRON YOUTH THEATRE

Date of Policy: Jan 2023

Review:  Jan 2024