our commitments

Our sketch shows have virtually no roles that require any age, gender, race, or other demographic requirements, and our shows have no true “star,” ensuring that all our performers have equitable role distribution roughly equivalent to all other performers in the cast.

We respect the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, religion, or background.

We foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and supported.

Discrimination, harassment, or any form of bigotry will not be tolerated.

We are committed to presenting truly collaborative ensemble casts that have equal opportunities for all performers who wish to work with us.

While we do not own our performance and rehearsal spaces and are thus reliant on whatever physical spaces the theaters and rehearsal studios we rent can provide, we make every effort to ensure that we give the performers who work with us the tools they need to succeed on their own terms according to their own needs, and make every effort to make our shows available to all audiences, including those with sensory, cognitive, and mobility disabilities.

We are committed to making our creative process and performances be accessible to all, regardless of ability.

We believe in creating a vibrant, inclusive, and respectful community where all members can thrive. Our commitment to transparency and open communication is integral to fostering an environment where creativity flourishes.

1) We value transparency in all aspects of our operations, including casting, production decisions, and company policies.

Directors and producers commit to providing clear and timely communication regarding rehearsals, schedules, expectations, and any changes to plans.

Actors are encouraged to ask questions, seek clarification, and provide feedback openly and respectfully.

2) We uphold high standards of professionalism in all interactions, both within the company and with external partners.

Actors are expected to come prepared, punctual, and committed to rehearsals and performances, and to communicate any scheduling conflicts in as timely a manner as reasonably possible.

Directors and producers promise to conduct themselves professionally, treating all members of the company with courtesy and respect.

3) We recognize that conflicts may arise from time to time. When conflicts occur, we are committed to resolving them promptly and constructively.

Members are encouraged to address concerns or conflicts directly with the individuals involved or through designated channels for mediation and resolution.

4) We prioritize the physical, emotional, and mental safety and well-being of all members of our community.

Any concerns regarding safety, harassment, or well-being should be reported to the directors and/or producers and will always be welcomed.

We want our performers to enjoy the process of working with us, to like what they do and do what they like.

We above all are committed to treating our performers like the professionals they are, and giving our members an experience that we wish we had had as performers in this industry in a not just NONexploitative, but ANTIexploitative way that allows them to continue to move forward in their careers better, safer, and more informed than they were before.

We recognize that collaboration is essential to our creative process. Directors, actors, designers, and crew members work together to bring our productions to life.

Actors are encouraged to offer constructive feedback to directors, producers, and fellow cast members in a respectful manner.

Directors and producers are open to receiving feedback from actors and other team members, recognizing that diverse perspectives enhance our work, and we promise to never punish, blame, demand explanation of, or penalize any for prioritizing their own needs and boundaries or for choosing not to work with us for any reason.

Feedback can be submitted through our contact form or directly to asketchofnewyork@gmail.com and can be sent anonymously.

We are committed to transparency in our process, to an open door to hearing the concerns of those who work with us, and to being better than we were yesterday, always.