The Refocus Project
Transforming the American theatre canon
LEARN MOREThe Refocus Project
In the spring of 2021, we launched The Refocus Project to shine a spotlight on playwrights and plays that have been historically excluded from the theatrical canon due to the playwright’s race, ethnicity, gender, and/or orientation. The inaugural year featured five virtual readings of plays by Black writers along with ancillary programs, and we are already seeing an increase in future productions across the country. Year two of Refocus (2022) will be in-person and feature Hispanic and Latinx writers.
Building a Better Roundabout
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism
LEARN MOREBuilding a Better Roundabout
Roundabout has created a five-year strategic plan to evaluate and evolve how we address EDI/AR in our work, workplaces, and our community. Conceived by a team of 29 staff members in collaboration with the Board EDI Committee following a company-wide assessment in October 2019, the plan was launched in September 2021.
Community Partnerships
Building on longstanding relationships with schools and audiences
LEARN MORECommunity Partnerships
Roundabout seeks to build mutually beneficial relationships with the local community and reduce barriers that can inhibit theatregoing. In addition to the 15,000 free or discounted tickets we allocate for low-income families, young theatregoers, and community organizations, we have also established community partnerships with three branches of the New York Public Library to provide artist residencies in communities that are currently underrepresented in Roundabout audiences.
Career Development
Fostering the next generation of dynamic theatre professionals
LEARN MORECareer Development
Our Career Development efforts include the Theatrical Workforce Development Program, which focuses on diversifying the technical theatre industry, and the Roundabout Directors Group, which offers resources, networking, and career development to early career directors from diverse backgrounds. These programs cultivate the next generation of theatre professionals.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
The annual budget for the current Forward Fund initiatives is nearly $4.5 million each year, so Roundabout relies on contributed revenue to support this important work. We have established the Champions for Inclusive Theatre which provides special recognition and behind-the-scenes access to the programs supported by the Forward Fund. Membership starts at $25,000, but all donations are integral to create a more just and inclusive Roundabout and NYC theatre industry.
CHAMPIONS For Inclusive Theatre
- Elizabeth Armstrong
- Bank of America
- Eugene and Joann Bissell and the Lillian Lincoln Foundation
- Kevin Brown
- Barbara and Peter Bye
- Ginger McKnight Chavers
- Ford Foundation
- Jill and Barry Lafer
- Gina Maria Leonetti
- Iva Mills
- Beryl Snyder
- Denise Littlefield Sobel
- Liz and Ken Whitney
To learn more about becoming a Champion for Inclusive Theatre, please contact Kristen Robinson, Development Director, at KristenR@RoundaboutTheatre.org or 212-719-9393 ext. 318.