Waving Through A Window:

I’m immunocompromised, and I miss my theatrical career so much - I haven’t been able to safely perform in ages. What precautions are being taken around illness in the industry these days, especially at smaller regional theaters? What can we do to advocate for each other’s safety?

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Dear Waving Through A Window,

Thank you for sharing this question as I’m sure many people are also navigating these in-person spaces while being immunocompromised. This makes me think of the vacancy of care missing from many spaces as cuts or complete removal of Accessibility positions and departments at regional theaters. And the connection this has to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practices, which have been stripped of federal funding across the U.S. If we’re being honest, many of these departments were getting undermined even before the funding halts.

With that, I sadly share that the movement forward toward higher accessibility and care is pretty hit or miss across regional theaters. After 2020, Actors Equity made huge strides in creating language, policies and procedures for productions to support company members in conversations with their employers. However, there are still many areas where the guidelines and procedures around work safety in this regard are up to the discernment of the employer. I would encourage you to reach out to AEA and visit their website, whether you are a member or not. If any theaters you are looking to connect with are a union house, they fall under their guidelines.

While I was performing during the beginnings of theater’s in-person return in 2021, I found that theaters have a lot more knowledge and resources available to support a healthy work environment, but much is relegated to crisis aversion rather than standard practices. There are still harmful assumptions that all immune systems are alike. I did, however, find it encouraging that when health care was prioritized, the effectiveness in sanitation control was quite thorough.

In terms of advocacy, I think using the support of the AEA union is a strong first step. Next, check out The Actors Fund, they have an incredible network of advocates and community support, especially when it comes to health. I would also suggest cross-discipline and cross-industry collaboration. These efforts can also be found at places like The American Association of People with Disabilities.

It also makes me curious about what new forms theater can take to make it more accessible while still maintaining the heart of a theatrical experience? What are some new priorities in sharing space with one other if we want as many different folks there as possible? Even the phrase “Waving Through a Window.” If there has to be a barrier to ensure a level of care, can we still be connected? Can “the glass” not always feel like something someone is pushed behind?

Waving back,

-Fefu

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This Fefu is a Tony Award-nominated performer and artistic leader who has trained (and graduated, thank goodness!) from elite programs across oceans.

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