Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct outlines the policies, programs, and expectations that ensure Richmond Shakespeare creates an inclusive, safe, and diverse environment. Anyone who believes in our guiding is welcome to join us at Richmond Shakespeare. Our success is a direct result of your commitment to the theatre and the community we create together.

Our Guiding Principles

• Belief in the transforming power of the spoken word;

• Commitment to the productive interplay of past and present dramatic works universal to the human experience, engaging them with love and irreverence;

• Creation of theatre that is intelligent, passionate, and uncompromising;

• Devotion to a mutually fulfilling relationship between theatre and community;

• Dedication to comprehensive education that encourages intellectual, emotional and social development, removing barriers and opening hearts and minds;

Richmond Shakespeare believes that each employee, contractor, board member, and artist makes up our community. You contribute directly to our growth and success, and we hope you will take pride in upholding the commitments of our theatre. 

Richmond Shakespeare is Committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

• We foster, cultivate, and preserve a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• We do not tolerate discrimination against any person because of their race, religion, gender identity, age, sexual preference, disability, appearance, or any other basis protected by state, federal or otherwise applicable law.

• We cultivate an inclusive environment within the theatre and online to ensure people of all abilities have access to our programs.

• We do not tolerate sexual harassment in any shape or form.

Richmond Shakespeare is Committed to our Team

• We do not tolerate substance abuse.

• We do not tolerate any type or threat of violence.

• We use all technologies and collect data responsibly.

• We avoid conflicts of interest to protect Richmond Shakespeare and its patrons.

• We value confidentiality and respect the privacy of our patrons, staff, volunteers, and students.

• We work responsively and honestly with government and community officials and representatives.

Richmond Shakespeare is Committed to our Community

• We treat our patrons and supporters with dignity and respect.

• We do not condone dishonest business practices.

• We strive to protect our environment and operate in a sustainable manner.

• We offer theatrical education that is affordable and accessible to all.

Richmond Shakespeare is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). 

Our human capital is the most valuable asset we have. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that our volunteers and employees invest in their activity and work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation and company’s achievement as well. 

We embrace and encourage differences in age, color, disability, ethnicity, family or marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, and other characteristics that make all our volunteers and employees unique. 

The Organization DEI initiatives are applicable—but not limited—to our practices and policies on recruitment and selection for all roles volunteer and employment; compensation and benefits; professional development and training; promotions; transfers; social and recreational programs; layoffs; terminations; and the ongoing development of a work environment built on the premise of gender and diversity equity that encourages and enforces: 

• Respectful communication and cooperation. 

• Teamwork and participation, permitting the representation of all groups and employee perspectives. 

• Work/life balance through flexible work schedules to accommodate varying needs. 

• Employer and employee contributions to the communities we serve to promote a greater understanding and respect for the diversity. All volunteers and employees have a responsibility to treat others with dignity and respect at all times. 

All volunteers, contracted artists, students, and employees are expected to exhibit conduct that reflects inclusion during theatre projects and functions on or off the work site, and at all other company-sponsored and participative events. Anyone found to have exhibited any inappropriate conduct or behavior against others may be subject to disciplinary action. Volunteers, contracted artists, students, and employees who believe they have been subjected to any kind of discrimination that conflicts with our diversity policy and initiatives should seek assistance from their immediate supervisor or a comparable representative of the organization.