What strategies can you use to address microaggressions in theater?

Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional, forms of discrimination or prejudice that can undermine the sense of belonging and safety of marginalized groups in theater. They can occur in various aspects of theatrical production, such as casting, directing, writing, designing, and performing. As theater practitioners who value diversity and inclusion, how can you recognize and address microaggressions in your work? Here are some strategies that can help you create a more respectful and supportive theater environment.

1 Identify and acknowledge microaggressions

The first step to addressing microaggressions is to be aware of what they are and how they manifest in theater. Microaggressions can be verbal, nonverbal, or environmental, and they can convey messages of stereotyping, invalidating, excluding, or demeaning marginalized groups. For example, a microaggression can be a director who only casts actors of color in minor roles, a writer who uses offensive or outdated language to describe a character's identity, a designer who appropriates or misrepresents a culture's symbols or costumes, or a performer who makes jokes or gestures that mock or trivialize another group's experiences. To identify and acknowledge microaggressions, you need to educate yourself on the history and context of different groups, listen to their perspectives and feedback, and reflect on your own biases and assumptions.

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Prof. Dr. Thomas Schmidt

Professor Theater Management/ Theater Researcher at University of Music and Performing Arts Frankfurt/Main
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Microaggression is part of every theater production in the world; they usually have two reasons: fear and insecurity on the part of the artists about the high demands, as well as possible latent racism. It helps to bond the team together and give each artist a feeling of security right from the start. During the first week of rehearsals, take a trip to a historical museum so that everyone can get to know each other better. Speak openly from the start about how important each artist is to you, that you will not tolerate any aggressions and that you can only achieve success together. Always take breaks together during rehearsals, eat and talk together. Have a nice mountain festival and premiere party.

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2 Interrupt and challenge microaggressions

The second step to addressing microaggressions is to intervene when you witness or experience them in theater. Microaggressions can have negative impacts on the mental and emotional health, performance, and participation of marginalized groups, so it is important to not let them slide or normalize them. To interrupt and challenge microaggressions, you need to speak up and call out the behavior or comment that is harmful or inappropriate, explain why it is problematic or offensive, and suggest a more respectful or accurate alternative. You also need to be prepared to face resistance or defensiveness from the person who committed the microaggression, and to handle the situation with empathy and assertiveness.

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3 Apologize and learn from microaggressions

The third step to addressing microaggressions is to take responsibility and make amends when you commit them in theater. Microaggressions can be unintentional or unconscious, but that does not excuse or erase their effects on marginalized groups. To apologize and learn from microaggressions, you need to acknowledge your mistake and express your regret, listen to the impact and feelings of the person or group who was affected, and commit to changing your behavior or attitude. You also need to avoid making excuses or minimizing your role in the microaggression, and to seek out resources or guidance that can help you improve your cultural competence and sensitivity.

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4 Support and empower marginalized groups

The fourth step to addressing microaggressions is to create a theater culture that values and celebrates the diversity and inclusion of marginalized groups. Microaggressions can be reduced and prevented by fostering a sense of belonging and safety for everyone involved in theatrical production, and by amplifying the voices and stories of marginalized groups. To support and empower marginalized groups, you need to collaborate with them and involve them in decision-making processes, provide them with opportunities and resources to showcase their talents and perspectives, and advocate for their rights and recognition in the theater industry and society.

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5 Seek and provide feedback on microaggressions

The fifth step to addressing microaggressions is to engage in a continuous process of learning and improvement on how to deal with them in theater. Microaggressions can be complex and nuanced, and they can vary depending on the context and the people involved. To seek and provide feedback on microaggressions, you need to ask for and accept constructive criticism and suggestions on how to avoid or handle microaggressions, and to offer and deliver honest and respectful feedback and advice to others who may need them. You also need to be open-minded and flexible, and to adapt to different situations and scenarios.

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6 Promote and practice anti-racism in theater

The sixth step to addressing microaggressions is to go beyond the individual level and work towards systemic and structural changes that can eliminate racism and other forms of oppression in theater. Microaggressions are rooted in the larger social and historical inequalities and injustices that affect marginalized groups, and they can reinforce and perpetuate them. To promote and practice anti-racism in theater, you need to challenge and dismantle the norms and policies that favor or privilege certain groups over others, and to create and support the initiatives and movements that aim to achieve equity and justice for all groups. You also need to be aware and accountable of your own position and power, and to use them to ally and solidarity with marginalized groups.

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Renee' Charlow

@SAG/AFTRA--Actor/Director/Storyteller/Theatre Educator/ Workshop Facilitator
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Make certain you dismantle long-held beliefs and institute positive and progressive theatre practices. Make certain the stories you tell are reflective of the communities you serve. Make certain you do shows by people of color not only during specific months but as a part of your regular season

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Jason Turchin
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It's important to create a safe, respectful space for everyone involved in a production. There is opportunity to learn, and work together to eliminate microaggressions.

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What strategies can you use to address microaggressions in theater?

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2

3

4

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1 Identify and acknowledge microaggressions

2 Interrupt and challenge microaggressions

3 Apologize and learn from microaggressions

4 Support and empower marginalized groups

5 Seek and provide feedback on microaggressions

6 Promote and practice anti-racism in theater

7 Here’s what else to consider

Theatrical Production

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What strategies can you use to address microaggressions in theater?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify and acknowledge microaggressions

2 Interrupt and challenge microaggressions

3 Apologize and learn from microaggressions

4 Support and empower marginalized groups

5 Seek and provide feedback on microaggressions

6 Promote and practice anti-racism in theater

7 Here’s what else to consider

Theatrical Production

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