Policies

Here at OCTA, our goal is to produce meaningful, high quality entertainment in a variety of genres in an inviting environment through inclusive programming for the betterment of local artists and the community at large.
 

Click Here To Read OCTA’s Bylaws

Sexual Harrassment Policy
OCTA’s Board of Directors supports a strong zero-tolerance policy regarding sexual harassment. Theatre is a place of acceptance and support and the relationships created should never be abused. We fully support the theatre community and artists of all kinds. We are committed to listening to those who need to be heard and learning how to be a better group of creatives in this community. Questions? We can be reached via e-mail: info@olathetheatre.org.

Click HERE to read OCTA’s sexual harrassment policy in full.

 
Olathe Civic Theatre Association Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Statement
 
At Olathe Civic Theatre Association (OCTA), we believe that theatre is a powerful medium for storytelling, connection, and transformation. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible environment that reflects and uplifts the richness of our community. We recognize that our strength lies in embracing and amplifying diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences, both on and off the stage.
 
Land Acknowledgment
We acknowledge that the land on which we gather, create, and perform is the ancestral homeland of the Kanza (Kaw), Osage, and Shawnee peoples. We honor and respect their enduring relationship with this land, as well as the many Indigenous communities—past, present, and future—who have stewarded and continue to care for this region. We recognize and grieve the lasting impact of colonization and displacement and commit to uplifting Indigenous voices and stories through our work at OCTA.
 

Our Commitment
Inclusion: We strive to create a welcoming space where all individuals—regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, socioeconomic status, or background—feel valued, heard, and represented.
Diversity: We actively seek to expand the diversity of our artists, staff, board, volunteers, and audiences to ensure a vibrant exchange of ideas and stories.
Equity: We are dedicated to removing systemic barriers and fostering fair opportunities for participation, leadership, and advancement within our theatre.
Accessibility: We continuously assess and enhance our physical, financial, and programmatic accessibility to ensure that everyone can engage with and enjoy the performing arts.
 

Goals & Benchmarks for Achieving Parity: Enhancing Representation in Programming
 

By the end of 2028, ensure that at least 50% of our productions annually feature works written or directed by persons from historically underrepresented communities, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, women, and disabled artists.
 

Establish guidance for the Season Selection and New Works Playwriting Competition committees to identify and recommend diverse playwrights, directors, and scripts.
By the end of 2028, achieve a minimum of 50% representation of diverse backgrounds in on-stage and behind-the-scenes talent, including directors, designers, production staff, and actors.
 

Implement targeted outreach for historically underrepresented groups.
Conduct demographic surveys to monitor progress and evaluate the efficacy of outreach.
Fostering Equitable Leadership and Governance

Increase board and leadership representation from historically marginalized groups to at least 50% by the end of 2028.
 

Establish a recruitment plan focused on engaging diverse community leaders.
Implement annual anti-racism, cultural competency, and accessibility training for 100% of board members with evaluations to measure impact.
 

Train board, staff, and volunteers in accessibility best practices.
 

Building Community Engagement and Partnerships
 

Identify and engage with local organizations serving diverse populations by the end of 2028 to foster mutual support and cultural exchange.
Organize collaborative events and outreach initiatives with partner organizations.
By the end of 2028, offer at least five accessibility-enhanced performances per year, including ASL-interpreted performances and sensory-friendly shows.
Secure funding and sponsorships to support accessibility initiatives.
 

Ensuring Transparency and Accountability
 

Establish a system for tracking and reporting IDEA progress, with an annual public report available by the end of each fiscal year.
Publish IDEA reports on OCTA’s website and share findings with the community.
Create a community feedback mechanism by the end of 2028 to gather ongoing input and adjust initiatives as necessary.
Implement an annual review process to assess and adjust IDEA strategies.
We acknowledge that this work is ongoing and requires continual reflection, dialogue, and action. At OCTA, we are dedicated to fostering an arts community where all individuals feel seen, celebrated, and empowered to share their stories.