KCACTF Commitment to Representation, Equity, and Diversity Best Practices

The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival firmly believes in the safety and security of all artists during every phase of the theatrical process. We reject the idea that performing artists should ever compromise their physical or emotional well-being for “the sake of the play.” We believe that creative leaders have a solemn responsibility to establish clear policies regarding decorum that protect all participants in the theatrical process. We believe that this standard should exist at all levels in our community (professional, semi-professional, academic, and community theater). We hereby commit ourselves to providing our students and colleagues with a creative environment that is free of harassment in any form.  

As a participant in KCACTF I will strive to be a Citizen Artist.  I recognize my responsibility to the vast community to which I belong, both internal and external.  As a participant in KCACTF I will operate with RESPECT at all times.  I recognize that all voices deserve to be heard with dignity. 

 As a result of this responsibility I uphold the following values:  

1. REPRESENTATION- I will ensure that every storyteller and every story will have uninhibited access to being heard, supported, celebrated, and recognized within my participation in KCACTF.  I will be an ally for under-represented voices to be heard.
2. EQUITY - I will unequivocally state and demonstrate that the rights of any individual or a group are neither more nor less important than the rights of another. I will be a levee, standing as a counter force to the rising tide of sexism, ageism, genderism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, classism, xenophobia, racism, segregation, colonialism, and white supremacy in this country. With equity, I will seek to practice justice. 
3. DIVERSITY- I will enthusiastically celebrate the uniqueness of each individual while honoring the multitude of perspectives that invigorate creation.  I will give space graciously and without hesitation to anyone while encouraging growth through respectful collaboration. 
   ​
   

To that end, the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival has the following zero tolerance policy when it comes to harassment, bullying, or violent behavior of any kind. Participants are expected to respect the individual differences present among all participants. Artists who believe they are the subjects of harassment on the basis of race, gender, religious belief, national origin, age, ability, political affiliation, or sexual orientation should bring this to the attention of Gregg Henry or Kelsey Mesa or your institution’s Title IX office.