The SJT believes in the transformative power of storytelling and live performance to connect, challenge, and inspire. We are a theatre with deep roots in Scarborough and the North Yorkshire community, and we are committed to fostering a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion in all that we do. We strive to be an inspiring and welcoming creative hub that reflects the rich diversity of our communities - on our stages, in our building and in our workforce.
Our guiding principles
Our audiences: We are dedicated to building a welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong. We will actively seek to attract, engage, and retain diverse audiences by:
Ensuring our programming reflects a range of voices, stories, and perspectives.
Prioritising accessibility throughout our building and our productions, including provisions for people with disabilities, and regularly reviewing our facilities to remove any barriers.
Maintaining a policy of non-discrimination based on age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, or marital and civil partnership status.
Our people (our staff, artists and volunteers): We are committed to fostering a fair, diverse and inclusive working environment where our people can thrive by:
Attracting and recruiting talent from the widest possible range of backgrounds and experiences, implementing unbiased recruitment processes.
Providing ongoing training and development to help our team feel confident and empowered to champion EDI.
Ensure our Board and staff reflect the diversity of our community.
Our work: As a theatre renowned for new writing and artistic excellence, we will ensure that our creative process is inclusive and equitable by:
Actively engaging with artists from all backgrounds and life experiences.
Implementing casting practices that are representative and actively seek to break down systemic barriers.
Supporting and championing new talent from historically underrepresented groups.
Our Communities: Our theatre belongs to everyone. We are dedicated to ensuring that our work, our building, and our opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of age, background, ability or identity by:
Actively removing barriers to access through initiatives like relaxed performances, captioned shows, and audio-described performances, so everyone can enjoy the magic of theatre.
Empowering the next generation of storytellers through our extensive programme of Creative Engagement work which provides creative opportunities for all ages and abilities.
Collaborating with local organisations, schools and community groups to ensure that our work is relevant and responsive to the needs and experiences of those we serve.
Ensuring our venue is a place where every visitor feels welcome, respected and safe.
Our Commitment to Anti-Racism
We stand in unequivocal solidarity against racism and all forms of discrimination. As a prominent cultural institution, we recognise our responsibility to actively dismantle systemic inequality and injustice within our organisation and the wider theatrical landscape. We are committed to an anti-racist practice that is transparent, proactive, and ongoing.
The Power of Theatre to Bring People Together
At our core, we believe that sharing stories and experiences helps to build strong, compassionate and engaged communities. The intimate atmosphere of our theatre-in-the-round is a powerful metaphor for our mission—a space where people come together as equals to share in a communal experience.
Promoting empathy: By presenting diverse stories and voices, we enable our audiences to see the world from new perspectives and to build greater empathy for others.
Encouraging dialogue: Our productions serve as a catalyst for conversation, provoking thought and discussion on vital contemporary issues.
Creating shared moments: Through the collective experience of live theatre, we forge a sense of shared community that transcends differences and celebrates our common humanity.
Accountability and Action
This statement is a living document that guides our actions and holds us accountable. We will regularly review and report on our progress to ensure our commitments are not merely words on a page but are reflected in our practice, our people, and our programmes. We invite our communities to join us on this journey as we work to build a theatre that is truly for everyone and lives up to our vision of “This Is Yours”.