The Stage Director and Choreographers Society has released a statement regarding sexual harassment in the theatre industry, asserting their efforts to protect members from all forms of abuse.
The statement from the independent labor union is part of a continued conversation in the entertainment industry and beyond following an increasing series of allegations of sexual assault and harassment, including accusations against producer Harvey Weinstein and actor Kevin Spacey.
Read the statement in full below.
SDC’s by-laws, work rules and collective bargaining agreements include protections for members as well as set standards for their behavior.
In the theatre community, each union and every employer must protect their members and employees from inappropriate and unlawful behavior in the workplace, and that certainly includes sexual harassment. Employers and members at every level of our field must be held accountable for their actions and protected from dangerous individuals.
Proceeding as a community to develop explicitly stated shared values and standards for behavior is essential. But to make certain the steps we take are thorough and effective, developing mechanisms beyond internal union grievance procedures, employment policies and commonly held beliefs will require deep consideration and collaboration. SDC is committed to that effort.
This moment compels us to ensure that each and every member understands both their rights and their responsibilities, so that we can do everything possible to end not just sexual harassment, but any form abusive workplace behavior, to provide for a fully equitable and inclusive field in which everyone can work in safety and without fear.
Founded in 1959, the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society represents theatre directors and choreographers working in various stages throughout the United States, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, national tours, regional, and dinner theatre companies. For more information, visit SDCWeb.org.
Another theatre-based union, Actors’ Equity, released a statement October 27 in the wake of the allegations against Weinstein:
The allegations that have become public this week about Harvey Weinstein are unconscionable and reprehensible in any context and in any workplace. Thankfully, some incredibly courageous women have begun to share their stories, and Equity commends them for stepping forward. Everyone should be able to go to work free from the fear of sexual harassment. Equity expects all employers to provide a workplace where our members can do their work free of harassment. That’s the law. Any Equity member who experiences something that makes them feel uncomfortable and that they believe constitutes harassment can report it to their Equity Business Rep.
