Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

GOAL

We strive for deep and multidimensional connections with our community by creating partnerships that are mutually respectful and inclusive, with various entry points for community involvement.

VISION

Students share in PYT’s vision of a WOW experience: they are open to the unexpected, are supportive, passionate, and determined, building open and genuine relationships, embracing each other’s unique elements, to inspire others to be uniquely remarkable.

We believe that our success, sustainability and resiliency rely on equity at the center of all we do, and we recognize that our theatre has the potential to become a source of healing and renewal in our community. We also believe that a vibrant, thriving arts curriculum is the bi-product of creative programming, inclusive practices and strategies, and development of a diverse team of educators, employees and volunteers who share in these values.

Unlike Broadway and Hollywood where the industry is challenging stereotypical roles and casting, there are currently no mainstream standards or guidelines for incorporating DEIB work into youth theatre programming and productions.

The commitments that follow will constantly evolve as we as an organization learn. This is a starting point for forming actions that will encourage a sense of belonging for everyone in our community.

The center of the Salt River Pima–Maricopa Indian Community is located in what we call the Phoenix Valley, but their villages and farms previously occupied vast stretches of land along the Gila and Salt Rivers.

Education

We commit to attending workshops, seminars, and continuing education that furthers our understanding and practice of placing equity at the center of all we do. We initiated a five-week study group in January 2022 with Inclusive Life to begin to learn how PYT can incorporate DEIB into our theatre community.

Belonging

We believe that the feeling of belonging is the emotional state that is the goal of our DEIB efforts. Our organization’s inclusive processes are here to make everyone feel welcome. For someone to feel truly welcome, they need to feel welcome exactly as they are.

Team

We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical disability, political belief or affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under state or federal law in any aspect of the access to, admission, or treatment of students in its programs and activities, or in employment and application for employment.

Programming

We commit to continuing inclusive practices and strategies in program selection, development and execution, considering everything from its selection to auditioning to costuming to performance. We understand that we need more resources in order to navigate the intricacies of DEIB with the canon of musical theatre scripts. We have reached out to ASU’s

Theatre and Opera Department and their DEI program faculty with plans to create and develop an ongoing relationship to learn more about how we can further our inclusion practice with respect to programming, costuming, and program selection.

Volunteer Opportunities

We commit to make certain all parents feel invited to participate at every level, and they understand that volunteer opportunities are available to all.

Feedback

We commit to always listen and learn and to invite feedback so that we may continue to make an impact. Please reach out to our team if you have any reactions, comments, or advice that will help us move forward in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.