Our Commitment to a Shared Experience

Our Diversity, Equity, Access & Inclusion Guiding Principles

Guiding Principles

One of the largest arts organizations in Chattanooga, one of the longest running theatres in the Southeast, and one of the largest community theatres in the country, the Chattanooga Theatre Centre was founded in 1923 on the belief that the arts are a shared experience that delights, inspires, moves, and educates.

Now, 98 years later, our renewed focus centers on the conviction that that shared experience is for everyone, and we have the responsibility to be a leader in promoting diversity, equity, representation, access, and inclusion policies that benefit our organization, field, and community.

The Chattanooga Theatre Centre embraces the charge to serve people from all walks of life, socioeconomic status, racial and ethnic backgrounds, ages, sexual orientations, religions, and people with all forms of abilities. We are committed to building a culture that we all wish to be a part of, and we believe that when the wider community is truly represented in all that we do, the Chattanooga Theatre Centre will be stronger than ever as we enter our second century.

We acknowledge that addressing anti-racism, inclusion, and accessibility is a long-term, ongoing endeavor. We invite the community to participate and provide input as we move forward with our initiatives.

Goals

Community Awareness

• Build understanding of the role of the arts in our lives and appreciation for the theatre arts among all Chattanoogans.
• Increase awareness of the Chattanooga Theatre Centre in every community in Hamilton County.

• Develop relationships beyond the walls of the Chattanooga Theatre Centre.
  • Create programming and participate in community initiatives within neighborhoods throughout Hamilton County.

Organizational

• Accurately represent the diversity of our community within the demographics of our Board of Directors.
• Increase diversity among board, staff, and volunteers.
• Address systemic racism within the field of theatre.
  • Create awareness of theatre professions among young people and create internships and educational opportunities for under-represented populations.
• Engage diverse vendors.
• Promote a welcoming atmosphere and sense of belonging among all visitors to the facility.

Artistic

• Amplify diverse voices and share diverse stories reflecting our community.
• Ensure that different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds are included with the works that we produce.
• Increase diversity among those who create and teach.
• Develop production seasons and programming that interest diverse audiences and participants.