LPTW Call to Action

Dear Friends: The League of Professional Theatre Women stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement. We stand with the protest of the unconscionable murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, and countless others. As theatre women, we are a small community, yet we are an essential part of the societal structure; we are also grandmothers, mothers, partners, lovers, sisters, wives, aunts, in-laws, friends, caregivers, and activists.  LPTW is committed to creating a culture of EDIA: Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. We value the individual talents, skills, and craftsmanship that embody our vast theatrical industry. When we say "Theatre Women," we include the representation of all of our varied identities and differences--race, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity (female, transgender, or gender non-conforming), national origin, tribe, caste, socio-economic status, thinking and communication styles, etc.  The League acknowledges our own lack of policies aimed at redressing racial partisanship within our own community. We pledge to do the hard work needed to be inclusive and anti-racist in our platform and actions. As an organization that strives to be of service to our professional theatre community of women, we want to open the door anew and invite in all professional theatre women--and especially, to our African-American theatre sisters, how can we be of service? As we educate ourselves further, we are ready to be put to work. This is a call to ACTION. And we are here to learn, to listen, to challenge ourselves, and to support however we are able. In sorrow and determination, Catherine Porter, outgoing Co-President Shellen Lubin, continuing Co-President Mary Hodges, incoming Co-President co-presidents@theatrewomen.org www.theatrewomen.org @LPTWomen #theatrewomen