Inspired by the incredible statistical work that professional theatre artist Sam Jeffery has been doing to take stock of the Edmonton theatre community (YEG Theatre Stats) – and our own curiosities – Chromatic Theatre has decided to compile a statistical report addressing the presence of people of colour working in the Calgary theatre community. For the 2018/19 theatre season, we will be reporting on all of the Betty Mitchell Awards eligible shows in the city of Calgary. As a bonus, we’ve also covered Shakespeare By The Bow – Calgary’s Two Gentlemen of Verona for our inaugural post!
In 2016, Calgary Arts Development (CADA) conducted a sector-wide survey on diversity in the arts, concluding that while 36% of our city’s population self-identifies as a visible minority, only 14% of people across all artistic sectors self-identify as being visible minorities. We know that there is work to be done, and our intention is to reveal how many people of colour are represented specifically in the professional theatre community onstage and offstage. By highlighting those that are visibly represented hopefully this will inspire theatre makers to continue to hire people of colour, both on stage and as creative leads. These statistic are intended to reflect patterns in our community’s hiring practices at this moment in time. We hope to open the doors to conversations on where we’re at, where we hope to be, and how we get there in the future.
Please note:
- We may not always be able to tell if someone is a person of colour. If we make an error, please contact us at jenna@chromatictheatre.ca, and we will make the appropriate correction.
- This data does not reflect any diversity beyond perceived and indicated race
- We will make special note if the Playwright or Director is a person of colour
- #YYCtheatrestats
Now, the numbers…
Summer Statistics: June – August 2018
Premium Content – Major Matt Mason Collective
June 21st – June 30th
Cast: 2/6 = 33.3 %
Creative Team: 0/9 = 0%
Aggregate: 2/15 = 13.3%
June 21st – June 30th
Cast: 2/6 = 33.3 %
Creative Team: 0/9 = 0%
Aggregate: 2/15 = 13.3%
Two Gentlemen of Verona – “Shakespeare by the Bow” – Theatre Calgary
June 29th – August 19th
Cast: 4/12 = 33.3 %
Creative Team: 1/9 = 11.1%
Aggregate: 5/21 = 23.8%
June 29th – August 19th
Cast: 4/12 = 33.3 %
Creative Team: 1/9 = 11.1%
Aggregate: 5/21 = 23.8%
Red Rock Diner – Stage West Theatre Restaurant Calgary
June 29th – August 30th
Cast: 0/12 = 0% (including band)
Creative Team: 2/16 = 12.5%
Aggregate: 2/27 = 7.4%*
*One person appears in both the onstage and creative teams. They have only been counted once for the aggregate.
June 29th – August 30th
Cast: 0/12 = 0% (including band)
Creative Team: 2/16 = 12.5%
Aggregate: 2/27 = 7.4%*
*One person appears in both the onstage and creative teams. They have only been counted once for the aggregate.
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These statistics are compiled by Kristen Padayas and Jenna Rodgers on behalf of Chromatic Theatre.
