This project pushed us to update our policies and procedures to reflect our unwritten company values. Knowledge sharing with other companies across Canada was priceless.
Eastern Front Theatre
Eastern Front Theatre
Formalizing care and accessibility policies
Level UP! Strategy Area: Pathways to Agreement
Pilot Project: Developing a Statement of Care and a Compassion Fund
Project Duration: 2023/2024
Continuing to Implement: Yes
Resources Shared: Project Field Notes, Accessibility Hub, Statement of Care (to come)
About Eastern Front Theatre
Location: Nova Scotia
Artistic Discipline: Theatre
Operating Budget: $100,000 to $1,000,000
Eastern Front Theatre (EFT) has been an active producer and presenter of Canadian theatre for over 30 years, with a clear mission to support and develop Atlantic Canadian stories, playwrights and theatre artists. EFT takes its designation as an artistic catalyst very seriously, and it seeks to provide artists with opportunities to share their distinct stories throughout Atlantic Canada and beyond. EFT works to develop artists and new work through a supportive multi-step process that includes staged readings and workshops at Early Stages Festival and STAGES On the Waterfront, as well as mentorship and feedback opportunities. EFT grows and adapts with the community as it changes and progresses, prioritizing accessibility and diverse perspectives.
Eastern Front Theatre’s Level UP! Project
EFT’s project focused on formalizing care and accessibility practices into policy to support staff and contractors. The project was a continuation of EFT’s Accessibility Project and other efforts that began during COVID to better address care, mental health, and access needs of artists, staff, and in the performing arts more broadly. Key steps included reviewing the company’s mandate, mission, and values, drafting a Statement of Care, and preparing to establish a Care and Compassion Fund for the 2024/2025 season. EFT’s project was led by Elsa Pihl, General Manager.
Project Highlights:
-
- Researched and brainstormed ideal working conditions, expressions of care, and potential care and access needs to inform the Statement of Care
- Developed a budget line for a Care and Compassion Fund
Resources
Eastern Front Theatre | Project Field Notes
About This Resource Eastern Front Theatre created these Project Field Notes in 2024 as part of their Balancing Act Level UP! Pilot Project. Their project focused on developing policies around care and accessibility needs that can be applied to both staff and...
Eastern Front Theatre | The Accessibility Hub
About This Resource Eastern Front Theatre created The Accessibility Hub as part of their Accessibility Project which began in 2020. The hub was created as a tool to help those in the performing arts sector embrace "accessibility as wholeness" and work to integrate...
More Information
For more information about Eastern Front Theatre visit easternfronttheatre.com.
Click here to return to the Resource Hub.