our values

At Alleyway, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, socio-economic status, or any other identity marker. This policy outlines our commitment to addressing systemic racism within our organization and the broader community.

Employees are expected to adhere to federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, New York State Human Rights Law (NYSHRL), and Buffalo Antidiscrimination Law. These laws prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, and other protected characteristics.

Our commitment to diversity and equity is reflected in our casting, staffing, and artistic teams, which should represent the diversity of our community. We actively seek out BIPOC artists for all productions and include a minimum of one production by a BIPOC playwright in each season. To further our inclusive programming, ALLEYWORKS offers additional opportunities for BIPOC artists with a diverse series of play readings and workshops.

Education and training are crucial components of our anti-racist efforts. All staff members are required to attend regular training sessions on anti-racism, cultural competency, and bystander intervention. Additionally, participation in tailored cultural competency programs is mandatory for staff, volunteers, and board members. We also engage with our community through surveys, listening sessions and town hall meetings to gather feedback and guide our practices.

To ensure accountability, a Diversity and Inclusion Committee will be responsible for assessing anti-racist initiatives, creating success metrics, and reporting progress. This committee will conduct audits of hiring practices, production teams, and audience outreach efforts. Alleyway is committed to transparency and will issue public progress reports detailing our initiatives, progress, and areas for growth. We encourage all employees to provide feedback on our anti-racist practices.

Alleyway is dedicated to creating a supportive environment for all employees. We encourage BIPOC affinity groups and support networks for our staff and artists. An anonymous reporting system is in place for any incidents of discrimination or harassment, and all reports will be thoroughly investigated and addressed.

Our commitment to anti-racism extends beyond our theatre walls. When possible, we engage in collaborative projects with local BIPOC organizations, participate in community events related to racial justice and equity, and share resources with other theatres focused on anti-racism. These partnerships help us broaden our perspective and contribute positively to our community.

In our recruitment efforts, we focus on attracting BIPOC candidates and have implemented diverse hiring practices. Job descriptions are regularly reviewed to minimize biased language. We also participate in mentoring programs for emerging BIPOC talent and offer internships and fellowships to support their career development.

As part of our commitment to acknowledging the history of the land we occupy, we incorporate land acknowledgments at performances and key events. This practice helps us recognize and respect the Indigenous peoples who are the original stewards of this land.

Our anti-racist policies and practices are subject to continuous improvement. We conduct annual reviews and updates, and we encourage all employees to suggest improvements to our anti-racist initiatives. Active employee participation and commitment to these principles are essential to our success in creating an inclusive, equitable, and anti-racist environment at Alleyway.

By adhering to these guidelines and actively participating in our anti-racist efforts, Employees play a crucial role in Alleyway's mission. Together, we can create a space where all individuals can thrive and express themselves freely, contributing to a more just and equitable theatre community and society at large.

Alleyway is located on the stolen land of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, called the Iroquois by the French. Made up of the Nations of the Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, Cayugas, and Senecas, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy means People of the Long House. It is one of the first and longest lasting participatory democracies in the world and was formed as a way to unite members of the League of Five Nations to live in harmony through a peaceful means of decision making. Its blending of law and values is believed to have been a model for the American Constitution. Alleyway honors the generations of stewardship the Haudenosaunee peoples have given to the water, air, and land, and as guests, we pay respect to the Haudenosaunee past, present, and future.

By adhering to these guidelines and actively participating in our anti-racist efforts, Employees play a crucial role in Alleyway's mission. Together, we can create a space where all individuals can thrive and express themselves freely, contributing to a more just and equitable theatre community and society at large.

At Alleyway, we believe theatre is for everyone. Alleyway provides free tickets to all productions through the ASI Arts Access program, student discounts and multiple pay-what-you-can performances for each production, in additional to free tickets to A CHRISTMAS CAROL for students and underrepresented WNYers through our Project Spirit initiative. The theatre complies with federal regulations regarding accessibility. As the company hires staff, selects plays, and casts artists, we are committed to creating and equitable and accessible, diverse and inclusive, joyful community representing the breadth of humanity, including people of all genders, races, abilities, and ages.