THEATRE FOR EVERYONE PILLARS

• Working Toward Equity
  • EQUAL PLAY – In 2017, we committed to advancing artistic equity by commissioning and developing 30 new plays written exclusively by female- and/or Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC)-identifying playwrights over the next 10 years.
  • NATIONAL CAPITAL NEW PLAY FESTIVAL – An annual event celebrating new work by some of the country’s leading playwrights and underrepresented voices, the festival promotes new plays in various stages of development.
  • EQUITY ON STAGE – At least 50% of the artists with whom we work will be female-identifying and at least 50% will identify as BIPOC.
  • IMPROVED WORKING CONDITIONS – Round House has reduced rehearsal schedules from six to five days a week and technical rehearsal schedules from 10 to 8 hours a day. 
  • BUILDING A REPRESENTATIVE BOARD – Round House has removed the minimum donation requirement for board membership in order to build a board of trustees that is more representative of our community.
  • DEDICATED EDIA BUDGET – Round House invests in ongoing EDIA training and education through a permanent line item in our budget.
• Increasing Accessibility
  • RELAXED PERFORMANCES – Piloted in 2020, Relaxed Performances create a safe and welcoming environment for individuals with sensory and cognitive disabilities.
  • ASSISTIVE LISTENING DEVICES ­– Round House offers FM audio enhancement for all performances, with devices available for patrons with or without existing hearing aids. 
  • AUDIO-DESCRIPTION ­– Round House will expand audio description services, in which a professional audio describer provides a carefully timed narration of the onstage visual elements in the performance, including the action, costumes and scenery via Assistive Listening Devices.
  • OPEN CAPTIONING – Round House will invest in improved captioning technology. 
  • BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS – Broaden and deepen our connection to individuals and organizations in the communities that we serve through a focus on partnerships and engagement.
  • LANGUAGE TRANSLATIONS – Round House seeks to expand cultural accessibility through translations of program materials and productions.

  For detailed information on many of these programs, please visit www.roundhousetheatre.org/Your-Visit/Accessibility.

• Overcoming Economic Barriers
  • ON THE HOUSE – A community access ticket program, On The House provides complimentary group tickets to local nonprofit organizations who want to share the enjoyment of live theatre with their constituents.
  • AFFORDABLE AND DISCOUNT TICKETS – Round House offers an array of discounted ticket options, including Pay-What-You-Can and 2-for-1 performances, as well as special discounts for members of the military and their families and members of theatre unions.  
  • SCHOLARSHIPS – Round House offers need-based scholarships to individuals and families to ensure equitable access to our camps and classes.
  • FAIR PLAY – Round House attracts the best of local and international talent by offering salaries that are competitive with the largest theatres in our market. 
• Fostering the Next Generation of Artists, Administrators, and Audiences
  • FREE PLAY – Round House introduces students to professional theatre by offering free tickets to any performance to students ages 13 through college. 
  • TEEN PERFORMANCE COMPANY – A year-long pre-professional program that provides high school students with training and individual mentorship by Round House artists. The program culminates in the Sarah Metzger Memorial Play, a world premiere production designed, directed, performed, and stage managed by company members.
  • APPRENTICESHIPS – Designed for early career professionals, apprenticeships offer hands-on professional theatre experience while providing equitable compensation to participants. 
  • INTERNSHIPS – An introduction to available careers in the theatre field, internships offer in-depth learning opportunities to high school and college students, and those getting started in the industry.