GALLERY

As the new directors of Carpe Diem Theater, we understand and acknowledge the harm that comes from performing shows that do not reflect the racial makeup of our campers. Having majority white casts telling BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) stories is racist and culturally appropriative. For that reason, in solidarity with BIPOC theater makers, we shall no longer carry on with this practice unless we can appropriately cast shows that require BIPOC performers. We apologize for the harm we have caused in the past, and are doing our part to educate our counselors and campers about the importance of representation in theater, and BIPOC theater-makers telling their own stories. We invite our community to reflect on this and hold us accountable to anti-racist practices moving forward. Please reach out to us with any questions about our commitment, and check out these resources if you’d like to learn more about whitewashing and cultural appropriation in the arts:  

What Whitewashing Means and Why It’s a Problem 

Yellowface, Whitewashing, and the History of White People Playing Asian Characters 

The West Side Story Appropriation We Never Really Talked About