Little Theatre of Manchester’s
Values of Inclusion

At the Little Theatre of Manchester, we believe that the power of art lies in its ability to explore worlds, real and imagined, to tell stories about universal experiences in challenging and surprising ways, and to foster growth. To achieve this, we are committed to building a vibrant and inclusive artistic community where we celebrate diversity, pursue equity, and all feel a profound sense of belonging. We recognize that true artistic excellence, the kind that exposes us to art that both entertains and helps us grow, is only achieved through inclusion of a multiplicity of voices and

perspectives.

We define diversity broadly, recognizing and valuing all aspects of human difference, including, but not limited to:

  • Age

  • Gender Identifications

  • LGBTQIA+ populations

  • People with Disabilities

  • Racial and Ethnic Groups

Our Commitment

Artistic Programming & Casting

  • Seasonal Diversity: We will strategically place shows within the season to maximize diverse representation and broaden our audience's experience of varied narratives.

  • Expanding the Canon: We will continue to seek and produce plays that reflect the rich diversity of our community and the world, pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling when appropriate.

  • Allowing people to simply exist on stage: We value the ability for diverse actors to simply exist in roles, and not only be present in roles that are defined by their diversity.

  • Inclusive Casting: Through collaboration with our directors, we will champion inclusive casting practices that help provide both diverse representation and authentic storytelling, with color-conscious casting as a key example.

Cultivating Growth & Transformation

  • Building a Pipeline: We will explore ways to develop a pipeline of diverse talent through workshops, training, and mentorship, fostering artistic growth and development.

  • Training: We will provide training on inclusive practices, empowering our artistic leaders to create transformative theatrical experiences.

  • Audience Engagement and Education: We will engage with our community through educational initiatives, fostering dialogue and deepening understanding of diverse perspectives.

  • Cultural Competency: We will ask our artistic and creative teams to prioritize cultural competency, enabling us to create art that is both impactful and respectful.

Building an Inclusive & Equitable Community

  • Creating a Safe Space: We will foster a welcoming and inclusive environment where all feel safe, respected, and empowered.

  • Expanding Access: We will continuously work to eliminate barriers to participation, providing equitable access to opportunities.

  • Integrating Inclusion: We will continually look for opportunities to integrate diversity into all aspects of our organization, including explicit representation at the leadership, artistic, staff, and volunteer levels.

  • Building Engagement and Partnerships: We will strengthen and develop relationships with organizations, including cultural centers, schools, and community groups, to build partnerships that foster LTM’s deeper understanding of our diverse local community.

Accountability & Improvement

  • Continuous Learning & Growth: We will remain committed to ongoing learning, self-reflection, and adaptation.

  • Impact: We will regularly review our progress and use the findings to adapt our strategies, ensuring ongoing accountability and effectiveness.