Common use of Respectful Representation Clause in Contracts

Respectful Representation. ‌ Artists who identify with racialized or historically underrepresented groups hold a range of opinions about how aspects of their identity may or may not intersect with the story, characters, or aesthetics of a production. Timely and transparent discussions with the Artist regarding any use or treatment of their identity are vital to ensure informed and ongoing consent. Such consultation is equally important in works with no implied identity-specific content, where the direction/production seeks to ascribe elements of an Artist’s culture or identity on the work. (i) When engaging Artists who identify with racialized or historically underrepresented groups, the Theatre will have discussion with the Artist prior to contract signing to understand their specific needs and desired supports related to the engagement. The Theatre and Artist will jointly determine what information will need to be communicated to the Director, Stage Manager, cast, creative collaborators, company staff and/or appropriate theatre personnel. With the consent of the Artist, the Theatre and Artist will outline any specific agreements in a rider to the Artist’s ITA engagement contract. (ii) Artists who identify with racialized or historically underrepresented groups will be actively consulted regarding their hair, makeup, wardrobe or use of culturally- or identity-specific items in the production. These conversations must be anti-racist and non-discriminatory in language and tone, and provide the Artist with agency and support to achieve respectful self- representation. (iii) Where the content of a production deals with issues of violence, trauma, cultural or oppressed groups, or where it may be reasonably anticipated that the Artist’s individual identity may intersect with or reinforce harmful or demeaning stereotypes, Theatres are encouraged at the time of offer to provide Actors – regardless of background or identity – with all available information about the production’s concept and/or context. (See Clause 35:09(A) Prior Knowledge.)

Respectful Representation. ‌ Artists who identify with racialized or historically underrepresented groups hold a range of opinions about how aspects of their identity may or may not intersect with the story, characters, or aesthetics of a production. Timely and transparent discussions with the Artist regarding any use or treatment of their identity are vital to ensure informed and ongoing consent. Such consultation is equally important in works with no implied identity-specific content, where the direction/production seeks to ascribe elements of an Artist’s culture or identity on the work. (i) When engaging Artists who identify with racialized or historically underrepresented groups, the Theatre will have discussion with the Artist prior to contract signing to understand their specific needs and desired supports related to the engagement. The Theatre and Artist will jointly determine what information will need to be communicated to the Director, Stage Manager, cast, creative collaborators, company staff and/or appropriate theatre personnel. With the consent of the Artist, the Theatre and Artist will outline any specific agreements in a rider to the Artist’s ITA CTA engagement contract. (ii) Artists who identify with racialized or historically underrepresented groups will be actively consulted regarding their hair, makeup, wardrobe or use of culturally- or identity-specific items in the production. These conversations must be anti-racist and non-discriminatory in language and tone, and provide the Artist with agency and support to achieve respectful self- representation. (iii) Where the content of a production deals with issues of violence, trauma, cultural or oppressed groups, or where it may be reasonably anticipated that the Artist’s individual identity may intersect with or reinforce harmful or demeaning stereotypes, Theatres are encouraged at the time of offer to provide Actors – regardless of background or identity – with all available information about the production’s concept and/or context. (See Clause 35:09(A) Prior Knowledge.)