“Anti-Racism, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Access, Accountability, etc. is an ACT OF LOVE – showing love to people who have never been loved by this country. This work is to end a race war, not start one. New Rep aspires to be a predominantly multicultural theatre company because we know that our differences are our greatest strengths. What we all bring to the conversations make the experiences richer and more visceral. These are not just principles or beliefs; they are the fuel that drives everything we do. At New Rep, your uniqueness is revered. Bring all of who you are to the table and come and “play” with us.”
Michael J. Bobbitt
New Rep’s Anti-Racism/Diversity Statement
New Repertory Theatre will create internal organizational systems, processes, structures and cultures that encourage any person to engage with us. In creating an equitable culture, we actively seek diversity, inclusivity and accessibility because we want the stories of all people to be reflected in the stories we tell in our productions.
Our Core Values
Diversity
We believe that Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Anti-Racism and Access is an ACT OF LOVE and aspire to be a predominantly multicultural theatre company because we know that our differences are our greatest strengths.
Community
We believe that the stories we tell on our stages must reflect the aspirations and concerns of the diverse communities and cultures we seek to serve. We believe that inclusive communities spark wide-ranging, exploratory conversations and learning.
Excellence
We believe our efforts to exceed the ordinary speak powerfully to our community and of their value to us.
You’re unique. Come play with us.
IDEA Resources
New Rep on Black Lives Matter
We stand in solidarity and in action with Black Lives because every single Black life matters! The murders of countless black and brown people at the hands of law enforcement is an act of systemic persecution. This is not just a social trend. Every day, a new hashtag. Every hour, a new injustice. Every second, more pain for Black lives. We remember every Black life lost to police brutality, racial injustice, and white supremacy. Together, we stand for justice and #SayTheirNames. We must dismantle the systems of racial oppression, build an anti-racist culture and work towards justice for these crimes of white supremacy in this country. And Boston is no different.
What role does art and community play as we process, respond, and begin to move forward? New Repertory Theater is committed to dismantling white supremacist culture and building an anti-racist institution, on our stages, and in our community. Every day, we recommit to healing ourselves and each other, and to co-creating alongside comrades, allies, and family a culture where every BIPOC person feels seen, heard, and supported. We acknowledge, respect, and celebrate differences and commonalities. We work powerfully for freedom and justice for Black people and, by extension, all people. We are guided by the fact that all Black lives matter, regardless of sexual identity, gender identity, gender expression, economic status, ability, disability, religious beliefs or disbeliefs, immigration status, or location. We are committed to using our platform to be part of the systemic change that is needed to reshape our world. We will not be silent. You should not be either.
For those who are grieving, are afraid, are exhausted, are fed up. We see you, we hear you, you are not alone, we are with you. For those who are organizing, speaking out, and supporting those doing this work – thank you. We are with you. We each must examine our own biases and privileges. Justice will not be served until those unaffected are as outraged as those who are affected. #blacklivesmatter
Please take the time to review the resources here to LEARN, ACT and SUPPORT the movement of justice, social change, and anti-racism for our Black community. No matter how you choose to make your voice heard in the face of injustice, please stay safe and take care of one another.
Indigenous Peoples’ Land Recognition
All teaching and learning takes place on Indigenous Lands. We are coming to you from a place originally called Pigsgusset, which means Meadows At The Widening Of The River. Now referred to as Watertown, this land is the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Pequossette Band of the Massachusett Tribe. While Pigsgusset is a rendering of the name, according to spelling by English colonial settlers, and we do not know the original pronunciation according to the First Peoples of the land, we make this acknowledgement to offer recognition and respect to the original inhabitants of this place, especially since the Indigenous history of Watertown has been mostly erased. New Repertory Theatre commits to supporting Indigenous peoples and their cultures by hiring and supporting artists who are Indigenous.
Michael J. Bobbitt & Dr. Mishy Lesser