PRO is an orientation to working culture in the rehearsal process.
The goal of the 2025 PRO is to collectively build an inclusive and welcoming working culture, focusing the PRO on developing working practices and professional behavior that serve:
- The themes of the play or musical
- The rehearsal process envisioned by the director
- The professional needs of everyone working on the production.
PRO is a tool that helps us to work better with one another. Our purpose is to collectively build a foundation that will bring us together as a theatre company and as part of the Stratford community.
To achieve this purpose, PRO will consist of conversations and activities that encourage constructive dialogue, laying the groundwork for building and maintaining welcoming and respectful rooms throughout all the phases of production. The EDI team will work in collaboration with the director of each production to ensure that PRO remains rooted in the core themes and ideas that will be explored throughout the rehearsal process. The EDI team also collaborates with all departments to provide you with tools to better navigate the Festival. To build deeper connections with the theatres you will be working at and the Stratford Festival at large, you can expect presentations from the staff members to discuss relevant information to you (such as where departments are located, or who to go to for questions and support). You can also expect guest speakers from Stratford businesses and local organizations to speak about how the city of Stratford itself can be a greater ally and support for you during your time working at the Festival.
For 2025, the first day of PRO acts as a gentle introduction to the rehearsal process, happening in tandem with the Meet & Greet to encourage stronger relationships between the productions and the Festival at large. Through guided conversations and activities, the first day of PRO will provide a space to get to know one another, an introduction to rehearsal process as envisioned by the production director, and a conversation around practices that supports everyone’s participation in said process. That first day will also include presentations from staff and community partners to provide you with resources you need to work at the Festival. Later in the rehearsal process, an optional second day will be available as a check-in to ensure all professional requirements are being considered, and to collectively support specific needs that may arise throughout the rehearsal process. While these two days have a difference focus, the intention remains the same: to ensure that everyone involved in the production has a sense of belonging, feels a greater sense of empowerment in the room and has the support they need to do their work in the most enjoyable way.
The Stratford Festival and its leadership are deeply invested in ensuring your wellbeing is a priority as you create the art that makes this theatre thrive.
HISTORY OF PRO
PRO was initially conceived by the Stratford Festival’s Anti-Racism Committee (ARC) over the course of 2020 and 2021. ARC was composed of actors, stage managers, designers, directors, and administrators from many backgrounds committed to the evolution of the institution. Since its inception, PRO has continually evolved each season to more fully encompass the needs of the Stratford Festival’s staff and artists who work on each production. We are made aware of these needs through the reception of feedback and being open to the suggestions of staff and facilitators alike. We are committed and always striving to maintain the relevance and effectiveness of PRO.
We always welcome your feedback regarding PRO. A PRO survey will be sent out later in the summer but please know the EDI Department is always ready to speak with you at any time. We are grateful for your collaboration as we take these steps to ensure every PRO maintains a foundation of community, play and joy.
This content was originally provided by Daviorr Snipes, and updated/added to by Meineka Kulasinghe January 2025
