Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Statements

Theatre Gargantua has long centred itself around five core values: collaboration, creativity, excellence, integrity, and stewardship. A rich diversity of experiences and cultures is essential for us to be able to fulfill these values and reflect our community. Theatre Gargantua welcomes and aims to serve all, regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, citizenship, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, religious beliefs, language, age, socio-economic background, and the various positionalities and intersections of these identities. We stand for the inclusion, protection, and celebration of diverse voices and establishing working practices that ensure equitable treatment wherever possible.

Theatre Gargantua is committed to:

  • Acknowledging the realness of marginalization and prejudice in our society at its known, implicit, and systemic levels
  • Diversifying our circles of those who influence Theatre Gargantua and those who benefit from our presence
  • Providing all Theatre Gargantua employees with access to Anti-Oppression and Anti-Racism learning material
  • Being receptive to call ins and furthering our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion learning
  • Extending fairness, dignity, and respect to all who pass through our networks

Not in Our Space

Not in OUR Space! is a national anti-harassment and respectful workplace program working with engagers across disciplines, developed by Canadian Actor’s Equity Association. It seeks to ensure safe working conditions for all professionals working in live performance across the country.

Theatre Gargantua is committed to the pursuit of safe and respectful workspaces for all artists working under its contracts and will not tolerate nor condone unprofessional or inappropriate member behaviour, such as: abuse of power, bullying, discrimination, harassment or sexual harassment, reprisal or violence.

More information on the Not in Our Space program

Black Lives Matter

We have not forgotten the brutal murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis and the preventable death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet here in Toronto. These horrifying tragedies once again brought systemic racial inequities to the forefront. Racism is real. It is deeply embedded. Its impact is devastating. Our black colleagues, friends, and mentors experience it on a daily basis. We are asking ourselves hard questions. We are looking at who we are. We are challenging ourselves to listen and do better – to understand what that means and how to take action. We are determined to be a part of the massive effort it will take to make effective change.

If you are able, please consider donating to Black Lives Matter and our colleagues at Obsidian Theatre.  NOW Magazine has also published a list of organizations that support the black community and promote anti-racism.

Land Acknowledgement

Theatre Gargantua, which resides in West Toronto, acknowledges that we are hosted on the lands of traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnaabe, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and for far longer has been covered by the Dish With One Spoon wampum belt covenant between Indigenous nations and into which have been welcomed all people prepared to share the land in peaceful coexistence.

To recognize the land is an expression of gratitude and appreciation to those whose territory you reside on, and a way of honouring the Indigenous people who have been living and working on the land from time immemorial.

Theatre Gargantua knows that a land acknowledgement alone will not make up for the past, but is a promise to continue to dialogue, listen and connect with the people who have and continue to care for this land, to tell their stories, and live with Mother Earth’s best interests at heart.

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