Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility

WHAT WE BELIEVE

The Citadel Theatre is in the heart of amiskwaciwâskahikan ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ (Edmonton, AB), and we are proud to call Treaty 6 territory home. As a regional theatre, it is integral that we ensure that the stories we tell, as well as the composition of our artists, board, staff, students, and audience are reflective of the diverse lived experiences in this dynamic city.

We commit to dismantling the systems of oppression that our organization has benefited from. We acknowledge our privilege as one of the largest arts organizations in Alberta, and one of the largest regional theatres in Canada; it is our responsibility to enshrine this commitment at the heart of our company. We pledge to be held accountable to this ongoing work with transparency and in dialogue with communities and all stakeholders.

We believe this work requires immediate and ongoing action and constant reflection. We will continue to build an anti-racism and anti-oppression intersectional framework through training, paid consultation, internal analysis, the engagement of an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility Committee, a commitment to Edmonton’s 35//50 Initiative, and significant policy changes and accountability throughout the entire organization.

We are proud to be part of our city’s vibrant theatre community and commit to working together with our colleagues to exchange knowledge and ensure lasting systemic change at the Citadel and throughout the arts community. We welcome and celebrate all voices, all bodies, and all experiences.

As the Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility Committee at the Citadel Theatre, we aim to define what “equity” means for our organization:

Equity ensures all individuals, especially those affected by historical and ongoing marginalization, have equal access to opportunities. It’s an ongoing process aimed at removing systemic barriers to create a fairer society. Unlike diversity, which is about the presence of differences, and inclusion, which ensures people feel valued, equity addresses unequal starting points and works to meet the distinct needs of individuals shaped by structural barriers.

The Citadel Theatre upholds the following core principles of equity:

1. REMOVING BARRIERS (Accessibility): 

The Citadel Theatre is committed to making our spaces, programs (including pricing), creative opportunities, and resources as accessible as possible to everyone, regardless of ability, background, or socioeconomic status. We continually assess and improve our spaces and services to ensure broad participation.

Action: Ongoing internal reflection, feedback review, and regular audits identify and address accessibility barriers. 

Initiatives include: accessibility renovations; Accessible Performances (Deaf Theatre and ASL Interpretation, Relaxed, Audio Described, Captioned, Touch Tours); pricing strategies; adding equipment (captioning screens, sensory items, mobile Sensory Room); community outreach, community-specific events with partners like the Centre for Autism Services Alberta; and staff training.

2. LASTING IMPACT (Accountability and Sustainability): 

We are committed to long-term, measurable progress in equity by remaining accountable to our stakeholders and ensuring the sustainability of our efforts. This includes responsibly allocating resources, integrating feedback, and fostering partnerships that strengthen our community. Sustainability at the Citadel encompasses financial stability, artistic integrity, community engagement, audience and staff retention, and environmental responsibility.

Action: We conduct annual policy reviews, gather and report data through Artist, Patron, and Staff Surveys, and produce an annual EDIA Report. Feedback tools include post-production evaluations and the Safe Disclosure Process. We budget and plan for EDIA commitments, invest in community partnerships, and implement strategies to reduce our environmental impact.

3. EQUITABLE DECISIONS (Fairness, Intersectionality, and Transparency): 

We ensure fairness by recognizing and responding to the diverse needs of individuals, understanding the complexities of identity—including race, class, disability, and gender—and maintaining open communication. Our decisions in hiring, programming, and community engagement prioritize equitable access and representation while being clear about our processes and progress.

Action: We uphold the 35//50 commitment across organizational and programming levels, review recruitment and casting policies to improve equity, and provide regular updates through EDIA Reports and open communication channels with stakeholders.

4. GROWING TOGETHER (Advocacy and Learning): 

We use our platform to advocate for equity in the arts and broader community while embracing continuous learning to inform our actions. By engaging with underrepresented voices, offering training, and fostering dialogue, we seek to amplify diverse perspectives and improve our practices.

Action: We partner with marginalized communities and organizations to promote inclusion through events, training, and collaborative initiatives (e.g., Inside Out training for Audio Description, welcoming Blind and low-vision patrons). Mental health support for artists and community-based training, such as through Boyle Street Community Services, ensures our work remains compassionate, informed, and community-driven.

This is a living statement that was crafted by Citadel Theatre’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility Committee. If you have any questions, please contact EDIACommittee@citadeltheatre.com.