Pipeline upholds our mission and vision by standing up against injustice and white supremacy, as well as reckoning with our own complicity in oppression. The equality of all people is an inarguable fact, and we condemn discrimination on all grounds, including but not limited to race, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, class, or belief system. A diversity of stories and perspectives is essential not only to the creation of theater but to the entire world, and we commit to the responsibility of reflecting the just world we need and believe in – a world where equity is paramount and where we stand up against violent, racist, and unjust actions and systems of oppression. We also recognize that Pipeline was founded predominantly by cisgender white artists, and has benefited from systems of power that favor white people and unjustly oppress people of color and other marginalized communities. We commit to making amends, to continuing to listen to the perspectives of our community, and to continually reshaping and reforming Pipeline in pursuit of this more equitable and inclusive world – a world that does not succumb to homogeneity and fear, but rather celebrates our differences, our diversity, and our wonderfully complex humanity.

“When we talk about land, land is part of who we are. It’s a mixture of our blood, our past, our current, and our future. We carry our ancestors in us, and they’re around us. As you all do.” – Mary Lyons (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe)

We recognize and acknowledge the American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Indigenous Peoples whose homelands we reside and create on. We practice ongoing acknowledgement that there are over 576 tribes that deserve their specificity, so as not to further erase their cultural heritage and traditions. We recognize the genocide which occurred, the ongoing violence that exists, and countless treaties broken by the US Government. 

We recognize and acknowledge the enslaved Africans who were taken from their homes and brought to this stolen land. Whose blood was spilt to build the country we now know as the United States of America. We honor them and the vast African diaspora whose traditions and cultures influence the nation.

We recognize and acknowledge Latinx, Asian, Middle Eastern, and all People of Color who have been misrepresented, exploited, and excluded in this nation’s history. They have shaped this country and are worthy of respect and distinction.

We recognize and acknowledge that transgender and nonbinary people have always existed throughout time and across many cultures. We support all gender identities and expressions, honor pronouns, and strive to create accessible gender-neutral spaces.

Pipeline Theatre Company is committed to cultivating a brave, generous, and conscious space for all those who engage with Pipeline – staff, Board of Trustees, artists, donors, volunteers, audience, etc. This Code of Conduct serves as a guide in creating an equitable, diverse, inclusive, and actively anti-racist environment for all.

As such, Pipeline believes in…

1) honoring and celebrating our differences. This requires us to recognize that our lived experiences are not the same as others, and to educate ourselves about lived experiences that are different from our own. To achieve this fully, we must work to root out implicit biases and harmful stereotyping, and stay open and receptive to seeing the world in ways that are new to us.

2) the inherent value and worth of all individuals. Every person is worthy of being treated with decency, respect, and dignity.  Accordingly, Pipeline does not tolerate oppressive or hateful speech, and we do not condone harassment or discrimination in any form. Please see Pipeline’s Harassment and Discrimination Policy, included in this manual, for more specific beliefs and policies. We also recognize that experiences of oppression are not limited to what the law defines as harassment or discrimination, and we uphold each individual’s right to discuss and/or report their experiences either as they occur and/or in the future. Any person who experiences or witnesses an oppressive or harmful act (whether intentional or unintentional), or who feels unsafe, has the power to “stop the room,” and publicly or privately address their concern.

3) the right of every person to a safe working & creative space. As a core tenet of our operational philosophy, we do not limit the use of the word “safe” to physical safety alone, and recognize that mental and emotional safety are just as important, and will be treated with the same gravity as physical safety. Bullying, in any and all forms, will not be tolerated. In addition to generally-recognized bullying behaviors (such as NY State anti-bullying policies), this includes dismissive and disrespectful behavior, and can include actions such as constant and/or willful interruption, pervasive and/or intentional misgendering, taking credit for work done by others, and shaming or otherwise public outbursts. All of these actions are oppressive, and constitute an abuse of power. 

4) anti-racism and anti-oppression. Pipeline disavows and rejects white supremacy, while acknowledging that we have been complicit in it by benefiting from white privilege and upholding systemic racism. We pledge to each other and to our community to actively examine our actions, systems, and structures for both oppression and privilege, and we require individuals interacting with Pipeline to be active participants in this work and commitment.

5) consent and boundaries. Each individual has a right to set their own boundaries of personal space, and to evaluate and redefine these boundaries at any time. Inappropriate physical contact includes any unwelcome touch, including shoulder, leg, arm, hair, and hugs. Personal space also extends to actions related to an individual’s personal life – unsolicited comments or judgements should not be made about appearance, clothing, attractiveness, or personality traits, and flirtatious behavior or discussion of your or another person’s intimate life is not appropriate. “Blurred boundaries,” “the theatre industry,” “work parties,” and “they know I was teasing/kidding/just fooling around/etc.” are not excuses for violation of personal space, and consent should never be assumed. If any person is unsure if they have consent for an action, they should always ask before proceeding.

6) responsibility and accountability. We value being held accountable as a loving act, and each of us must take responsibility for the impact of our actions – whether or not we intended them to be harmful. When we receive feedback that we have harmed someone, we must take the issue seriously, reflect on our actions and their impact, and adjust our behavior appropriately. Pipeline also pledges to always make space to hear and discuss issues as they are brought forward no matter when the issue may have occurred, to de-escalate and investigate where needed, to mediate where possible, and to take disciplinary action where necessary – without regard to a person’s standing in the company, community, or wider industry. 

7) courage. Pipeline strives to create a brave space where all voices can be safely heard, and all thoughts, experiences, and feelings safely expressed. We support those who stand up for what is right, and value speaking out when injustices occur, no matter how large or small. As such, Pipeline has a strict policy of non-retaliation, for both Pipeline as an institution, and for any individual engaging with Pipeline – whether they be staff, Board, artists, volunteers, audience, or donors. 

8) compassion. This is a specific and serious working philosophy at Pipeline, aimed at disrupting the prevailing industry mentality of prioritizing the show and/or institution above what is best for the people involved.  For us, compassion means making sure our daily operations and production processes are working well for each individual. It means attempting to see every person’s unique perspective to come to a course of action. It means holding justice and grace and gratitude in equal weight, and valuing them over punishment and retaliation, without making allowances or excuses for misbehavior. It means being open and flexible instead of closed and rigid. It means striving to always act from a place of love and kindness rather than from hate and fear. 

The Code of Conduct is to aid us all in being responsible members of Pipeline Theatre Company and its community, and so we require each person who interacts with Pipeline to abide by this Code of Conduct.

Click here to read Pipeline’s statement on Black Lives Matter from June 2020.

Click here to view Pipeline’s Operational Values & Code of Conduct, as well as our Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Policies.