Lean Ensemble Theater has a storied reputation for presenting a broad spectrum of the possibilities, the potential, and most particularly through it all, the glory of the theatre. The Island Packet, April 27, 2019

Lean Ensemble Theater’s Action Plan

JUNE, 2020

Lean Ensemble Theater has not done enough to stand with Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) artists and patrons. Today we begin again, with profound urgency and hope. We will actively take meaningful steps to support racial equality.

In the coming weeks, months and years, we commit to-

SEEK EDUCATION. Lean Ensemble Theater leadership and staff will engage in equity, diversity and inclusion training provided by an outside professional, in order to become a company whose structure and board governance is more representative of the population of the Lowcountry of South Carolina as well as Georgia’s Coastal Empire. 4/6/23 update— Lean Ensemble Theater staff and/or board have participated in and completed over half a dozen different EDI training sessions since the writing of this document.

BE A STRONGER ALLY. We will tell more inclusive stories and pursue BIPOC artists to share them. We will have rehearsal rooms and performance spaces where diverse opinions may be shared safely. We will have BIPOC theatermakers in artistic leadership positions and on design teams. We will have an ensemble membership that better reflects the entirety of the American theater. These commitments are an effort to balance the power dynamic, both on stage and off. 4/6/23 update— Lean Ensemble Theater has ongoing efforts to better diversify its programming, casts and production teams. While always imperfect, the results speak for themsleves.

LISTEN MORE. Our post show discussions have covered a wide range of topics, from suicide to religion to the hearing impaired, but we have never focused on race relations. We will produce work that engages conversation on the long history of race relations on Hilton Head, as well as the world outside our island. We will provide a space where those who feel like they have no voice will be welcome and will be heard. Difficult and uncomfortable conversations can safely occur in a place that is worthy to hear them, and we will strive to be that place. 

This is how we begin the work. Our upcoming commission of the play Mitchelville, a project which we have been developing for over 2 years, is a step in the right direction, but only a step. 4/6/23 update— Mitchelville closed on March 26, 2023 following a well recieved and sold out run. Preproduction panel discussions and post show conversations featured experts, native islanders and other guests to ensure conversations were well rounded and complete. Mitchelville will not be a one off production that singularly strived to meet the goals set in this documeny.

This is a living document. Commitments will be achieved and new ones will be added. We will make mistakes and we will own them. Through all of this, we wish to be held accountable. If you see us lagging behind, please let us know.

Blake White, Founding Artistic & Executive Director, blake@leanensemble.org

Staff

Whitaker Gannon, Director of Community and Arts Engagement

Taylor Harvey, Social Media Director

Amanda Insull, Administrative Coordinator & Patron Services

Montana Kern, Technical Director

Erika Kramer, Branding, Website, Video Producer and Editor

Nick Newell, Director of Lean Lab & New Play Development

Blake White, Founding Artistic & Executive Director

The Mission

Lean embraces theater’s vibrant relevance through diverse, ensemble based programming which compels thought, sparks emotion and inspires dialogue.

The Vision

The be the southeast’s theater destination that stimulates conversation through topical, entertaining and professional programming which delves into every element of the human condition.

Too much drama, not enough theatre!

Passionate. Thought-provoking. Lean Ensemble Theater celebrates the vibrancy of live performance by inviting audiences to lean forward and look at the world in a different way. Lean Ensemble will leave you talking and thinking about what you've seen and heard long after you've left the theater. Talkbacks and other interactive events will offer the opportunity to exchange ideas and share comments and experiences with the Company and audience. Lean places vital importance in its core values to listen, learn, respect and play.

Lean Partners