A
female
age
51-59,
*ubyBirtle
writes:This is a very different question that normally gets posted on this site but I've often found help (or at least food for thought) from the least likely of sources so here goes.....How do you encourage ethnic diversity within an organisation where all the members are volunteers?I guess I'd better give some back-story....I'm in an amateur theatre company in a largish city which already has plenty of ethnic diversity, yet all our members (all 150) are white.This doesn't seem to be unique to our company either. ALL the amateur companies in the region have exactly the same problem.And, although ethnic minorities are still probably under-represented in the profession, there are plenty of fine Asian and Afro-Caribbean actors out there on TV and in professional theatre.So, it's a mystery to me why so very few people from ethnic minorities pursue it as a hobby.It's a shame because there are so many plays that never get staged because they require a minority actor or actress. I know that we should strive to look past race in theatre and often that's possible(I have enjoyed many black King Lears and Macbeths) but it somehow doesn't seem right if the play is actually about racial tensions or racial (in)equality. I mean, can you imagine casting some white dude as Nelson Mandela or Malcom X or Tom Robinson? Or maybe folks disgree??I've tried doing some online research and have come up with plenty of advice for professional theatres on how to increase diversity amongst audiences but it simply says "stage productions that are of interest to ethnic minority audiences". And that gets me stuck in a paradox as we can't stage these productions until we get a more balanced ethnic mix within our membership.How can we achieve this balance? Why do you think that am-dram such a "white" thing to do? Okay, the plays are English language but a high proportion of our ethnic community are still native English speakers. And our annual subscription fees are very low compared to the majority of similar am-dram companies.It's a mystery to me but one I'd really like to solve. What are other people's thoughts and views? Reply to this Question
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female
reader, Honeypie  +, writes (6 February 2016):
 You can't MAKE people want to do theater.
But your theater/group could offer some workshops for kids/young adults for free (as in the people already there will volunteer their week ends for free) and stop by at local schools/colleges/uni's.
I agree that Malcolm X with a full "white" cast is just.. wrong, but if ALL you have... is a "white" cast, then maybe Malcolm X isn't the right play.
Maybe what you offer at your theater isn't being publicized enough. Local papers - maybe offer up some sponsorship (and no I wouldn't just offer for minorities but for ANYONE who still can't afford the subscription fees).
A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (6 February 2016): HiI teach Theatre Art's and have read your post about 'diversity' in theatre . I find it a bit strange that you describe having only white people as a PROBLEM, not a great outlook for your already performing artists.(I'm in an amateur theatre company in a largish city which already has plenty of ethnic diversity, yet all our members (all 150) are white ALL the amateur companies in the region have exactly the same problem). Firstly people join Theatre groups because more often than not they WANT to, they have an interest or career goal. The pool of people who enter have the desire or talent to perform or just for socialising. If you have a theatre group who think they are elite, then you do have a divide and people may well be blocked. Remember also that Some cultures despise and reject the art's so certain minorities don't come forward as easily.we wonder why some don’t go to the opera? Or the theatre. Or dance. It’s quite simple really. Teach all kids about opera and theatre and dance, and they will go to the opera and theatre and dance. Don’t, and they won’t. The art's are classed as soft subjects and come second place yet the warped education system shouts for CREATIVITY...bunch of hypocrites. Theatre's were warned that if they did not change they would loose funding. More than half of large-scale theatre companies employed fewer than 5% black, Asian or minority ethnic workers in 2013/14, according to a new Arts Council England reportA £2.6 million programme aims to counter the lack of diversity in the leadership of arts organisations. In addition, diverse-led organisations will be bolstered with a £2.1 million fund to improve their management. Three female arts figures from minority ethnic backgrounds have been made fellows of top London theatres, in an attempt to improve diversity at executive level in the sector.As you know the theatre world is trying to be more inclusive and so they should be...the Arts are for everyone and theatres is an ancient inbuilt knowledge that is accessible to EVERYONE.!!!! While you are fighting to make your theatre more diverse, have you made room for OLD PEOPLE? they have the right to be included, What about the disabled? diversity is not all about our skin colour, what funding is available to all you theatre companies for the old people? Ps if you are a talented actor dude you should be able to embody ANY character..there lies the art.
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A
female
reader, Tottochan  +, writes (6 February 2016):
Hi there,
I don't know if I'm qualified to answer this question, but I would just like to add my two cents.
Regarding your question on why there aren't many people of colour in theatre groups. Usually acting as a hobby is considered to be for people who are wealthy. Especially for immigrant families, that crave for a stable source of income, acting would seem, forgive me, but, frivolous. I know it's not true, but that's how it's viewed by many people that are of immigrant-origin.
Even for non-immigrants, it may be viewed as something that takes time and effort, but might not pay bills. Or maybe they don't have time to invest in it. And mostly, it just might be lack of awareness of such options or avenues.
I think that a great way to increase awareness about your theatre group and programmes would be to distribute flyers in neighbourhoods with your target participants. Advertise that it is low cost. Show that it will be a great way to get rid of stress and a great way to meet new people.
You can also have street plays with a message about your own theatre company, and perform in these neighbourhoods. Many great actors have jumped into this profession by being fascinated by street plays.
Get the word out there and I'm sure that you will have many many participants.
Best of luck!
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A
female
reader, goldie22 +, writes (6 February 2016):
Maybe appeal to a well known theatre performer to be your patron? Be honest and Advertise the fact that you want a more diverse group of people to attend maybe set up a face book page and write an honest request explaining what you have just told us . Ask your members to encourage their friends of different backgrounds. Hand out flyers in the areas with high population s of mixed ethnicity! Ask leaders of the local temples if they would consider acting an appropriate hobby for a young person and if they could recommend you? I'm out of ideas now but hope this helps a bit!
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (6 February 2016): Are there other charities or groups who could create an informal project with you so that your group is proactively saying 'we welcome diversity'?
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