Theater Leadership Crisis: White Supremacy Culture in Non-Profit Theaters
A critical opinion piece examines systemic issues in US non-profit theater leadership, following Hana Sharif's sudden departure from Arena Stage. The author argues that white supremacy culture persists in theater organizations, manifesting as toxic workplace dynamics where leaders of color are held solely responsible for fiscal health while facing dismissal of their ideas. The piece references Nataki Garrett Myers's recent post and a 2016 TCG National Conference document on white supremacy culture. It highlights the need for anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices, citing the Contemporary American Theater Festival's commitment to ARAO values and care-centered leadership. The author calls for white leaders to address complicity and for industry-wide change.
Key facts
- Hana Sharif departed Arena Stage suddenly.
- The author references a 2016 TCG National Conference document on white supremacy culture.
- Nataki Garrett Myers's recent post is mentioned.
- The Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF) is committed to anti-racist and anti-oppressive values.
- The author discusses the need for white leaders to own complicity.
- The piece cites organizations like Out of Hand, Company One, Theater Alliance, and The New Harmony Project.
- The author mentions a panel at TCG conference in Pittsburgh where Hana Sharif spoke about hiring a white man for cover.
- The piece references multiple documents including 'We See You White American Theatre' and 'Feature, Not a Bug'.
Entities
Artists
- Hana Sharif
- Nataki Garrett Myers
- Danny Williams
- Peggy McKowen
Institutions
- Arena Stage
- Theatre Communications Group (TCG)
- Contemporary American Theater Festival (CATF)
- Out of Hand
- Company One
- Theater Alliance
- The New Harmony Project
- Williamstown Theater Festival
Locations
- United States
- St. Louis
- Pittsburgh
- Atlanta
- Boston
- Washington, D.C.
- Indiana