“Great theatre is about challenging how we think and encouraging us to fantasize about a world we aspire to.” – Willem Dafoe
From Stephen Gillespie, President of the Board of Directors
Fort Collins Children's Theatre is angered and grieved by the pointless killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor... These are only the most recent of what seem to be a never-ending list of names–of unknown and known–Black American lives that have been lost far too soon from unchecked police brutality to relentless racism.
For those readers that are protesting, FCCT sees you and hears you. We are passionate for change and for justice, and we are mindful for your safety. We are inspired by your dedication for a better world.
FCCT is in harmony with those peacefully protesting for Black Lives Matter: for equality and civil rights. We regret that we have been limited to show our support before now. We continue to improve ourselves and to build on our theater craft, and we aspire to be a safe, inclusive space to perform and to continue to invite kindness on and off the stage.
"As the world faces unprecedented times and new realities during this global pandemic, and incidents of hate and domestic terrorism are perpetuated leading to routine brutalization of African-Americans, the health and safety of our people are at an unparalleled risk. Senseless hate crimes and incidence of COVID-19 cases and deaths spreading throughout the Black community display the continuance of systematic racism and privilege granted to white people in America. Our communities are experiencing the worst outcomes on all fronts. From every location reporting data in the nation, African Americans are being harmed—both in infections and fatalities—in higher percentages."
NAACP | We Are Done Dying. https://naacp.org/campaigns/we-are-done-dying/
We urge all of our readers to consider the resources below when thinking about how you can help in supporting "Black Lives Matter."
Campaigns and petitions:
Color of Change: Active Petitions and Campaigns – The nation’s largest online racial justice organization, helps people respond effectively to injustice in the world around us
Black Lives Matter: 2020 Campaign – Holds politicians and candidates accountable on issues affecting Black and underserved communities
NAACP: We Are Done Dying Campaign – NAACP’s coalition fighting against COVID-19 and police brutality
Want to Learn More:
“All That Glisters Is Not Gold” – An NPR discussion about Shakespeare, racism, and xenophobia with high school students and scholar Ayanna Thompson
“1619” – The New York Times’ podcast series on how slavery has transformed America, connecting past and present through the oldest form of storytelling
“Anti-racist Shakespeare” – Shakespeare’s Globe scholar Farah Karim-Cooper examines the racial meanings behind the language of light/dark and white/black used in Shakespeare’s England
FCCT Mission Statement: To engage the Northern Colorado community in live, family-friendly theatre and story while providing safe spaces for personal and cultural growth. This includes: affordable live theatre, youth performing arts education and mentorship, family entertainment, accessibility to marginalized populations, high production quality, and enriching the lives of adults and youth through learning and performing opportunities.
FCCT Non-Discrimination Policy:Fort Collins Children’s Theatre does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, transgender status including gender identity or expression, pregnancy, or marital status in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our Board of Directors, clients, volunteers, contractors, vendors, and program participants.