David Henry Hwang moderating an AAPAC discussion. (Photo by Bruce Johnson)
NEW YORK CITY: The Asian American Performers Action Coalition (AAPAC) has created and released AAPAC Theater Practices Toolkit: Creating an Inclusive Environment for AAPI/Asian Artists. This toolkit was inspired by listening sessions and survey data which revealed that less than 5.5 percent of AAPI/Asian theatre artists nationwide believe that theatres are creating an environment of inclusion for AAPI/Asian people. Intended as a reference guide for theatrical institutions across the country, the toolkit is organized by departments and lists anecdotal and statistical information on challenges specifically shared by the AAPI/Asian theatre community, as well as actionable solutions inclusive of their specific needs and concerns.
In the 2021-22 season, AAPI actors made up only 7.5 percent of all the actors hired on stages in New York City and only 3.7 percent of all shows on Broadway, according to data collected by AAPAC, and there were no Broadway productions in the 2021-22 season that had an AAPI playwright, composer, or lyricist. In contrast to the commercial sector, nonprofits provided the most opportunities for AAPI artists. In the same season, AAPI writers represented 12.3 percent of all writers hired at New York Ctiy’s largest nonprofits, a jump from just 5.1 percent in the 2018-19, the last full season before the pandemic. However, preliminary data from a forthcoming report for the 2023-24 season shows a drop to 2.94 percent of AAPI writers produced at the non-profits.
“The rise in hate crimes towards AAPI/Asian communities during the Covid-19 pandemic continues to have a profound effect on us all,” said AAPAC in a statement. “We must continue to bring attention to the link between harmful practices and portrayals in art and the consequences experienced by our communities. We also recognize and acknowledge that there are new legal challenges that seek to impede intentional work towards diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, and we look forward to strategizing with the theatre community about how we can keep fostering equal opportunities and welcoming environments together.”
On the need for a toolkit, AAPAC’s statement explained, “The toolkit flags areas where more cultural awareness may be needed to tell Asian stories, from the way predominantly white theatres market the show to the sense of belonging they create for AAPI/Asian artists in their spaces. It also highlights tools implemented at some theatres that respondents have found particularly useful.”
The AAPI Theatre Practices Toolkit, as well as AAPAC’s Visibility Reports, are all available free for download at www.aapacnyc.org.
The mission of Asian American Performers Action Coalition (AAPAC) is to expand the perception of Asian American performers in order to increase their access to and representation on New York City’s stages. AAPAC has been a leader in discussions and forums on diversity with artistic institutions and the Broadway community.
