Do you design, work as crew or technical staff in theatrical production? If so, you are invited to participate in a survey in support of academic research on the equitable labor practices in theatrical production. This research is for a book that is being written about equitable labor in theater production.
Brídín Cotton, a NYC-based producer and manager in the performing arts and Department Administrator in the Undergraduate Film & Television department at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and Natalie Robin, a Lighting Designer and Program Director of Theater Design & Technology in the Ira Brind School of Theater Arts at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia launched this survey to collect information from people who have worked, or are currently working, in theatrical production in the U.S.
Cotton and Robin are co-authoring a book about equitable labor in theatrical production, and a key component of their research is surveying designers and technical staff that work in theaters. They invite you to complete this survey by July 31, and encourage you to share it with your networks as well.
The book will explore equitable labor practices, examining both historical precedence and current circumstances, using case studies of current industry examples to document the progressive initiatives already underway in the field.
The authors will investigate data collection, models for analysis, and examples from other fields which can be applied to production in American theater, specifically around gender and race equity, support for caregivers, LBGTQIA+ representation, and safety. The work will also provide a series of tools and strategies for performing arts leaders to foster accessibility, representation, inclusion, belonging, and sustainability.
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FAQs about this Survey
Who should complete the survey?
People who have worked in or currently work in design and technical positions for professional theatre in the United States.
How much time does the survey take?
The survey typically takes 15-25 minutes to complete.
How will my responses be used?
Survey responses will be analyzed to generate qualitative and quantitative data which will be used in the book. Gathering data will allow the researchers to more effectively understand the challenges workers are facing, identify examples of practices that are working well, and develop strategies that are targeted at the most important problems or causal factors.
What is the book about?
This book will explore equitable labor practices in theatrical production. Examining both historical precedence and current circumstances, the book will use case studies of current industry examples to document the progressive initiatives already underway in the field. The authors will investigate data collection, models for analysis, and examples from other fields which can be applied to production in American theater, specifically around gender and race equity, support for caregivers, LGBTQIAA+ representation and safety. The book will provide a series of tools and strategies for performing arts leaders to foster accessibility, representation, inclusion, belonging and sustainability.
What if I have more questions?
You can read more about the project on our website (www.productionlaborbook.com) and email us (equitablelabor@gmail.com) if you have any questions. We’d be delighted to speak with you!
Content Warning
Some of the information we are gathering may bring up harmful memories. Please care for yourself in completing the survey. Please reach out to the Entertainment Community Fund (https://entertainmentcommunity.org) for continued support if you need more resources for care.
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