Invitation to Community

ANW extends an invitation to join our community with a set of principles that emphasize respect, empathy, clear communication, deep listening, openness to learning, and the recognition of multiple truths and experiences. By adhering to these principles, individuals contribute to the creation of a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and understood.

We value:

Artistic Excellence with Integrity: ANW is committed to serving the story with integrity, meaning we prioritize artistic excellence in our productions.
Inclusivity in Classic Theatre: ANW believes that classic theatre should be inclusive and engaging to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, physical ability, or any other aspects of identity. We aim to make classic stories accessible and relevant to a diverse audience, fostering a sense of universality in the human experience.
Empathy and Education: ANW sees education as a means to elicit empathy and deepen understanding of differing viewpoints. We are dedicated to enriching audiences’ experiences by exploring great literature and encouraging them to connect personally with the material to cultivate empathy and understanding.
Resident Artist Company and Trust: ANW values its Resident Artist company, recognizing that their expertise and trust in one another deepen their ability to interpret and perform the work. We are committed to fostering an environment where artists feel supported and empowered to bring their unique perspectives to the productions.

Our explicit guidelines for being a part of our community are essential for several reasons:

Inherent Dignity of Each Individual: ANW believes in the inherent dignity of every human being. By establishing clear guidelines, we strive for everyone to be treated with respect and fairness.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Antiracism: Clear guidelines help maintain a safe and accessible environment where everyone, regardless of background, feels valued.
Driven by Curiosity and Compassion: ANW is guided by these principles. These values are reflected in the behavior and interactions of everyone involved in the community.
Recognition of Power Dynamics: ANW acknowledges the presence of power dynamics within our organization. Our goal is to promote equitable relationships among all members of the community.
Establishing Mutual Expectations: ANW desires strong and healthy relationships among staff, artists, board members, students, volunteers, contractors, vendors, and patrons. Clear guidelines establish mutual expectations, fostering understanding and collaboration within the community.

Our guidelines demonstrate our commitment to maintaining a positive and respectful environment within our community:

Reserving the Right to Refuse Service: ANW reserves the right to refuse service to anyone, ensuring that the safety and well-being of our community members are prioritized.
Addressing Patron Complaints: ANW addresses patron complaints in the moment whenever possible. If issues cannot be resolved immediately, they are referred to the theatre’s leadership for resolution, ensuring that concerns are taken seriously and addressed appropriately.

We set clear boundaries by stating that we will not tolerate certain behaviors within our community, including:

Abusive Language and Name-Calling: ANW prohibits the use of abusive language and name-calling, recognizing that such behavior is harmful and disrespectful to others.
Threats: Any form of threat, whether verbal, physical, or written, is not tolerated within the ANW community. Threats create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, which goes against our values of respect and inclusivity.
Physical or Emotional Violence: ANW prioritizes the safety and well-being of all community members, and as such, we do not tolerate any form of physical or emotional violence. This includes actions or words that cause harm to others.
Disparagement of Individuals or Groups: ANW condemns disparagement of any individual or group based on factors such as race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other attributes. Such behavior undermines our principles of respect and equity.
Retaliation: ANW emphasizes that retaliation against individuals who report misconduct or express concerns is not acceptable. Retaliation creates a hostile environment and discourages individuals from speaking up about issues they encounter.

This approach fosters meaningful connections and mutual understanding among all members of our community, enriching the shared experience of engaging with live theatre at ANW.