OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
At The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, we recognize the essential role that diversity, equity, and inclusion play in cultivating a rich, empowering, and empathetic artistic environment. We remain committed to uplifting the voices, identities, and experiences of all members of our community, especially those who have been historically underrepresented in the performing arts.
As artists and educators, we know that representation matters – not only on stage and screen, but in our classrooms, our syllabi, and our leadership. We are dedicated to building a learning environment that is inclusive, equitable, and actively anti-racist. This means engaging in ongoing self-examination, amplifying marginalized voices, and making concrete, sustained changes to our programs and culture.
Our continuing commitments include:
Hiring Practices & Faculty Training
We are committed to hiring diverse faculty, staff, and guest artists to reflect and serve our student body. We also conduct ongoing training in anti-racism and intimacy protocols to ensure that our faculty and staff are equipped with the knowledge, resources, and best practices to foster a safe, inclusive environment and oppose discrimination in all forms.
Curriculum & Teaching Materials
We routinely review and revise our curriculum to reflect the needs and experiences of our students, as well as the expectations of the industry. Our Student Resources Packet has been moved online so that updates and suggestions from faculty and students may be reflected immediately. We actively encourage our instructors to incorporate these resources in the classroom, utilize diverse materials for scene work, and foster conversation with students about representation and inclusion in the industry.
Additionally, we maintain a public Play Database featuring recommendations from our faculty to help actors and educators access diverse theatrical works. This living resource helps students engage with new voices in theatre and identify material that better reflects their identities and stories.
Productions & Programming
Our programming aims to provide ample opportunity for our students to participate in shows, and we prioritize staging works that represent and make space for our diverse student body. We commit to producing work by playwrights of color, hiring directors of color, and promoting equity in the casting of our productions. We also host a variety of workshops, talks, and special events throughout the year that celebrate diverse cultures and stories.
Scholarship Programs & Outreach
The Lee Strasberg Creative Center, the Institute’s nonprofit branch, upholds our mission to support aspiring artists and expand access to arts education. We offer numerous scholarships at both our New York and Los Angeles campuses, including scholarships specifically for BIPOC applicants. We are passionate about outreach and actively seek new ways to connect with our community. Past partnerships include the New York Arts Program, the NYPD Youth Strategies Division, which creates programming for at-risk youth in New York City, and more than 30 years of collaboration with the New York City Housing Authority.
Student-Led Initiatives & Dialogue
We actively support our student affinity groups and coalitions, and we welcome their continued guidance as we work to foster a more just and inclusive Institute. We aim to make space for ongoing dialogue and accountability through regular check-ins, anonymous feedback surveys, and an online reporting system. We encourage student voices and leadership in shaping a responsive learning environment.
Global Community & International Student Support
We are proud to be the artistic home of students and alumni from 157 countries. We recognize the unique challenges faced by our international students, particularly in navigating immigration and cultural adjustment. In response, we provide dedicated support through our International Student Advisors, who assist prospective students in the application process and continue to guide enrolled students on matters such as I-20 certificates, M-1 and F-1 visas, OPT, and more. We believe in the value of a rich global network of artists and strive to ensure that every international student feels welcomed, safe, and empowered to pursue their artistic journey.
Land Acknowledgement
The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in New York resides in Lenapehoking, the ancestral homeland of the Lenape people. Our Los Angeles campus sits on the traditional lands of the Chumash and Tongva peoples. We pay our respects to these Indigenous communities, past and present, and commit to honoring Indigenous voices.
As we move forward, we are dedicated to learning, growing, and holding ourselves accountable in pursuit of a more inclusive, representative, and equitable future in the arts. In the words of Cecily Tyson, acclaimed actress, activist, and student of Lee Strasberg:
“To soar toward what’s possible, you must leave behind what’s comfortable.”