Land Acknowledgment

Stumptown Stages recognizes, acknowledges and honors the Indigenous peoples of this region on whose ancestral lands, the theatre now stands. We also want to recognize that Portland today is a community of many diverse Native peoples who continue to live and work here. We respectfully acknowledge and honor all Indigenous communities—past, present, future—and are grateful for their ongoing and vibrant presence. 

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Scope of Work

Below is a list of DEI action items and how we at Stumptown Stages have/are implementing them to harness the energy toward making true progress. Our DEI work is ongoing and very much a part of our culture and efforts at Stumptown Stages. Our anti-racism statement and resource page on our website continues to grow as we receive helpful articles and information from a number of sources and friends. Our DEI consultant Daryl Dixon helps guide us through many of our policies and procedures as an organization. Our diverse leadership board includes tribal elder Micheal Minthorn, and is lead by President Julianne Johnson. Through their leadership, they help guide and supports Stumptown Stages growing DEI efforts and dedication to our current and future actions.

 

ACTION: DEI investment and learning 

• STATUS: Stumptown Stages has committed a permanent DEI budget line item for our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Professional Learning Courses. Our recent training sessions focused on nine core learning goals. The purpose of the learning sessions was to build the will, skill, and knowledge of the participants to interrupt racial inequities. 60+ Stumptown Stages Board members, donors, artists, production team members and staff have participated in these important and informative sessions about:

  • Racial Identity

  • Defining Zones of Safety

  • Emotions and DEI

  • Historical Timeline​

  • Dominant Culture

  • Detours

  • Microaggressions

  • Oppression Definitions

  • Coaching Strategies

• STATUS: Stumptown Stages works with DEI coach (Daryl Dixon), who trains our board of directors and artistic leaders on EDI efforts. Facilitator Daryl Dixon is an expert in EDI related initiatives. He has over 27 years of experience working in the State of Oregon and the Portland metropolitan area, including private sector companies and government agencies.

• STATUS: Stumptown Stages has implemented an EDI Liaison position for each production. The EDI Liaison receives leadership and conflict management training from our contracted EDI coach, helping them to anticipate and address any EDI gaps or concerns during production. The EDI Liaison is a safe conduit for cast and crew members to anonymously communicate EDI workplace needs, concerns, and conditions to the producing party.

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ACTION: breaking down social economic barriers

• STATUS: Stumptown Stages entered into a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Musicians Union (IATSE Local 99) and works with Stagehands Union (IATSE Local 28) through our contractual arrangements with Portland'5 Centers for the Arts. Stumptown Stages has also contracted members of Actors Equity through a Guest Artist Contract Level 2 Agreement.

• STATUS: Stumptown Stages extends payment for artists to attend donor events, including post-show talkbacks (Please note that due to COVID-19 policies with our Union partners and for safety reason, talkbacks have been temporarily stopped).

• STATUS: Stumptown Stages has eliminate the “10 out of 12” technical rehearsal from its artistic practice.

• STATUS: Stumptown Stages has standardized a five-day rehearsal week. Each production process is designed to facilitate this shift, allowing artists, stage managers, crew and support staff adequate rest.

 

ACTION: protecting our diverse workforce and creating opportunities for our BIPOC artists and under-represented communities

​Stumptown is actively creating opportunities for BIPOC members and under-represented communities on-stage, including gender equality in production, and leadership. 

• STATUS: Stumptown’s commitment to diversity shows up in our production selection, audience outreach, company makeup and board membership. Shows like "Bojangles of Harlem" featured a majority of BIPOC artists and design team members.  This was also our first production under a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Musicians Union Local 99 and Stagehands Union Local 28.

• STATUS: Intimacy-directors are brought on and discussed with our directors based on each productions unique needs and requirements.

• STATUS: Stumptown Stages has approved a budget-line item this season for Assistant Directors that is designed to encourage opportunities for under-represented directors.   

 

ACTION: leaning in, listening and taking action.

• STATUS: This is a “living” document. Our work at Stumptown Stages honors the efforts of BIPOC theater makers who have lifted their voices against racism in the American Theatre for generations. Stumptown Stages adds its voice to these efforts, not just through words, but through the execution of concrete action plans. Our work never stops. Our action plans above continues and grows as we carry on this important work.