The Echo Theater Cultural Equity and Inclusion Initiative Statement

Because we are and always have been committed to finding, nourishing and producing great, previously unheard voices in American theater; because we believe and have always believed that great theater should be a positive, transformative and inclusive cultural experience for society as a whole; because part of our mission is to extend our resources to people and places that the theater has lost touch with; and because we hold and have always held that the empowering values that create important plays should also drive their casting, production, promotion and support … the management of the Echo Theater is accountable and has always been accountable to the Echo’s employees, its audiences and the greater Los Angeles community to continue the Theater’s legacy of diversity, equity, inclusion and access. In keeping with our mission, we place a special emphasis on projects serving writers, actors and audiences historically underrepresented in American Theater.

The Echo is committed to being a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. One where all employees and volunteers, whatever their gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, sexual orientation or identity, education or disability, feels valued and respected. We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all of our departments, programs, and worksites. We respect and value diverse life experiences and heritages and ensure that all voices are valued and heard. We’re also committed to modeling diversity and inclusion for the entire arts industry of the nonprofit sector, and to maintaining an inclusive environment with equitable treatment for all.