Reconciliation and Cultural Commitments

Through all Company activities – from our productions to off-stage initiatives – Melbourne Theatre Company strives to ensure a vibrant and inclusive theatre sector.

In all that we do, Melbourne Theatre Company acknowledges Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nation, the First Peoples of Country on which Southbank Theatre and Melbourne Theatre Company HQ stand. We pay our respects to all of Melbourne’s First Peoples, to their ancestors and Elders, and to our shared future.

Reconciliation

Melbourne Theatre Company is in the process of developing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

Our RAP will turn intentions into action by identifying strategies, timelines and measurable targets for building relationships, respect and opportunities.

To date, development of our RAP has involved establishing a RAP Working Group, engaging First Peoples stakeholders and partners on this journey and submitting a Reflect RAP to Reconciliation Australia for feedback.

Work is now underway to incorporate the feedback provided from Reconciliation Australia in order to resubmit the RAP for ratification and then publication. In their feedback, Reconciliation Australia has indicated that Melbourne Theatre Company is well placed to progress to an Innovate RAP following ratification of the Reflect RAP. 

At the beginning of this process, advice and permission was sought from N’arweet Carolyn Briggs, Senior Boon Wurrung Elder and Traditional Owner, Boon Wurrung Foundation. Consultation was also provided by Caroline Martin, Boon Wurrung Custodian and Managing Director of Yalukit Marnang.

Providing a respectful and supportive environment for all

Melbourne Theatre Company is committed to providing a safe and respectful environment for its employees and audiences.

We embrace inclusion in the workplace and amongst the broader community. We value all the ways in which people differ, and the valuable contribution that all of these differences bring to the Company and society. 

Employment

Melbourne Theatre Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For all positions advertised at Melbourne Theatre Company, the Company encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with disabilities. It is our policy to consider reasonable adjustments for qualified applicants with disabilities.

Access Services

Melbourne Theatre Company has a range of access services available for audience members with particular needs including audio description, captioned performances and, where possible, tactile tours. In late 2021, Melbourne Theatre Company will present its first Relaxed Performance of a production at Southbank Theatre. These services help ensure the broadest possible audience is able to enjoy our work.

Consultants

Melbourne Theatre Company engages with consultants where particular expertise is required to uphold a respectful, safe and supportive environment for all.

This includes working with Intimacy Coordinators, Fight Choreographers, Cultural Consultants, Voice Coaches as well as allied health professionals.

Off-stage Melbourne Theatre Company also works with cultural consultants in relation to company activities and for staff training sessions.

Cultural Representation

As outlined in Melbourne Theatre Company’s key values, the Company is committed to honouring and reflecting the diversity of our society through the stories we tell and the artists who tell them.

This is evident in our artist development programs such as NEXT STAGE Writers Program, Cybec Electric and the First Peoples Young Artists Program as well as the shift in stories and representation on our stages in recent years.

Melbourne Theatre Company is in the process of formalising our approach to this commitment in order to better recognise work already underway and progress still to be made.

We acknowledge that there will always be work to do and Melbourne Theatre Company is steadfast in its resolve to evolve and grow as we seek to better reflect the world around us and the multiculturalism of Melbourne.