1 Define your values

Before you start working on a project, it is important to establish and communicate your values and expectations as a leader and as a team. What are the goals and vision of your production? How do you want to treat each other and your audience? What are the boundaries and consent protocols for physical, emotional, and artistic interactions? How do you handle feedback and conflict? Having a clear and shared understanding of your values can help you create a positive and supportive culture, and avoid or resolve potential problems.

2 Recognize diversity and intersectionality

Your theatrical team is composed of diverse and unique individuals, who have different backgrounds, identities, experiences, and perspectives. Recognizing and celebrating this diversity can enrich your production and foster a sense of belonging and inclusion. However, you also need to be aware of the intersectionality of your team members, which means how their multiple social identities (such as race, gender, sexuality, class, disability, etc.) affect their access to opportunities, resources, and power. You need to acknowledge and address any forms of oppression, discrimination, or marginalization that your team members may face or encounter, and create a space where they can express their needs, concerns, and aspirations.

4 Adapt and accommodate

No two productions are the same, and neither are the needs and preferences of your team members. You need to be flexible and responsive to the changing circumstances and demands of your production, and to the individual and collective needs and preferences of your team. You need to offer and accept reasonable adjustments and accommodations that can enhance the accessibility, comfort, and well-being of your team members, such as providing captions, interpreters, assistive devices, breaks, triggers warnings, etc. You need to check in regularly with your team members, and ask them what they need, how they feel, and how you can help.

5 Collaborate and communicate

Theatrical production is a team effort, and you need to foster a collaborative and communicative environment where everyone can contribute, participate, and grow. You need to respect the roles, responsibilities, and expertise of your team members, and delegate tasks and decisions appropriately. You need to communicate clearly, honestly, and respectfully, and listen actively and empathetically. You need to encourage creativity, innovation, and experimentation, and celebrate achievements, successes, and learnings. You need to build trust, rapport, and solidarity among your team members, and acknowledge and appreciate their efforts and contributions.

6 Evaluate and improve

Theatrical production is also a learning process, and you need to evaluate and improve your practices and outcomes as a leader and as a team. You need to solicit and provide constructive feedback, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of your production. You need to monitor and measure the impact and effectiveness of your production, and the satisfaction and engagement of your team members and your audience. You need to reflect on your experiences and learnings, and identify the areas and opportunities for improvement. You need to implement changes and actions that can enhance the quality and inclusivity of your production, and the well-being and development of your team members.