The Stage Directors and Choreographers Society has announced new measures it will take to combat racism within the industry.
Among the initial steps, the union said it will publish detailed hiring statistics, including race, in July for the 2019-2020 season in all of its jurisdictions. These statistics will be made public each year going forward, in the hopes of effecting change.
“Our research clearly demonstrates that SDC Members’ employment and pay is inextricably tied to their race,” the union’s board wrote in an open letter.
SDC began collecting this data from employers 10 years ago. The union had been using the data to speak directly with individual theaters and data, but said it had not seen improvement.
In addition to publishing statistics, the union said it will strive to listen to and create a safe work environment for its Black members, as well as further future employment opportunities.
The union noted that contracts with SDC members include anti-discrimination and harassment policies based on race, age, gender identity and sexual orientation.
