Theater Makers Lab strives to prevent harassment and abuse in the Connecticut performing arts community. The results of a survey conducted by Line Drawn as an initiative taken by StageSource in 2018 showed that sexual harassment and assault are pervasive in the performing arts and the problem too often goes unacknowledged and unchecked. By developing programs and resources specifically for the needs of the Connecticut performing arts community, this initiative aims to create safer and more equitable work environments by providing resources to the community. Sadly, StageSource has not survived Covid but these vital resources will continue to be made available and furthered by Theater Makers Lab.
We are committed to this initiative because preventing harassment and abuse is not optional, it is a requirement for creating theater. And we challenge you—to create safer working spaces for our community, address issues, have bystanders trained, and be leaders in a culture shift.
By partnering with IMPACT Boston, StageSource was able to develop programs, resources, and infrastructure specifically for the performing arts community to more effectively prevent and handle all forms of harassment. This includes sexual harassment, racial discrimination, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, and other forms of harassment or microaggressions that can discourage artists and audience members from becoming part of the Connecticut theater community through education and shared standards.
THE LINE DRAWN COMMUNITY STANDARDS
are a unified set of practices developed over three years by the New England performing arts community in collaboration with IMPACT Boston to address and prevent harassment. These nine standards were developed through a collaborative process of summits, surveys, and community meetings. They are designed to be rigorous and impactful, while remaining achievable by performing arts organizations of all sizes and budgets.
To read the full document, click here. (updated 10/28/2021)
If you work at or attend a college or educational institution, many have an array of resources for reporting, counseling, and support.
THEATRICAL:
Collected Harassment-related policies & sample templates drafted by StageSource
Not in Our House — Chicago Theatre Standards
Not in Our House DC — DC Theatre Standards
TCG — Theatre Communications Group sexual misconduct resource list
AEA — Actors’ Equity Harassment Hotline
International Federation of Actors (FIA)
Intimacy Directors & Coordinators
IDI’s 5 Pillars of Intimacy Practice
STATE OF CT – itsnotokCT:
https://portal.ct.gov/DDS/itsnotokCT/itsnotokCT-Resources
CTALLIANCE
If you are seeking medical attention, injury documentation, a sexual-assault nurse exam, or evidence collection:
Boston Medical Center: 617-414-4075
Massachusetts General Hospital: 617-724-4100
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center: 617-754-2450
Brigham and Women’s Hospital: 617-732-5636
REPORTING:
Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination — enforces the Massachusetts anti-discrimination laws through the investigation of Discrimination Complaints, the prosecution and adjudication of cases, and through preventative training and education.
Massachusetts Harassment Prevention Orders — for seeking harassment prevention order, restraining order, or protective order. Chapter 258E , is there to protect you against someone who is harassing, stalking or sexually assaulting you, no matter what your relationship with them might be.
Info on MA Mandated Reporters — Those working with minors (including teachers, educational administrators, physicians, police officers, and more) are required to report abuse and neglect. An additional guide for MA requirements here. To find other state laws, visit RAINN.org
SUPPORT:
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center —free, confidential support and services to survivors of sexual violence ages 12 and up and their families and friends. You can reach their hotline by phone 24-7 at 800-841-8371 or web chat 9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. every day. 800-841-8371
Victim Rights Law Center —The VRLC offers free legal assistance to sexual assault survivors who have legal needs as a result of the assault in areas of privacy, safety, education, employment, immigration, housing, LGBTQ-specific issues, criminal justice advocacy, and financial stability. In addition they provide resources for professionals who work with survivors. 617-399-6720 x19
Fenway Health Violence Recovery Program — Free counseling, support groups, advocacy, and referral services of domestic violence, sexual assault, and anti-LGBTQ hate violence. VPR staff is specialized in working with LGBTQ individuals. 617-927-6202
Psychology Today — a free and fairly comprehensive resource for finding a licensed therapist who can help you consider options and manage your well-being.
Rape Abuse and Incest National Network — Free, confidential, national hotline. 800-656-4673
One Love Foundation — Education on healthy and unhealthy relationships (out of and within the workspace) tools empowering to identify and avoid abuse, including confidential, live hotlines and support.
TRAINING:
IMPACT Boston — Conducts bystander, self-defense, abuse prevention, and conflict de-escalation programs, as well as consultations.
One Love Foundation — Education on healthy and unhealthy relationships (out of and within the workspace) tools empowering to identify and avoid abuse, including confidential, live hotlines and support.
PAST WORK
Launch Memo from Julie Henrikus (February 2018)
In 2018 & 2019 we held a series of Summits, facilitated by Meg Stone of IMPACT Boston, to learn from the community what their needs and concerns were and discuss how we need to move forward.
Report from StageSource Survey and Line Drawn Summits 1 and 2 (updated March 2019)
Handouts from Line Drawn Summit 3: Accountability (March 2019)
This work was inspired in part by the work of #NotInOurHouse