Our Core Values

It goes without saying that there is a severe lack of representation within the theatre community at large. At EPE, we strive to go above and beyond simply “checking boxes”. We recognize that diversity with the absence of genuine inclusion lacks the essential connections that attract diverse talent, encourage their participation, foster innovation, and lead to growth. Our goal is not just to have a diversity of people present, but a diversity of people involved, empowered, and trusted by our program. EPE is committed to authentic representation in casting and we are currently taking action to make our shows as accessible as possible.

We acknowledge that division and competition within theatre communities is commonplace. At EPE, we believe creativity is best fostered when all those involved in our program are well connected and acquainted with one another. Creating and maintaining a culture of mutual trust, respect, and camaraderie amongst all EP’s is crucial to the development of our productions. From stagecraft to performance, our process is dependent on a community that motivates, inspires, and celebrates one another.

EPE takes pride in upholding an authentic, professional-level theater experience. We strive to give our EPs the tools of empowerment needed to shape their raw talent into a practical, more technically-proficient craft. Hands-on instruction and a diligent work environment within the program works to maximize the talents of our participants while building a vital skill set for future endeavors in the performing arts.

EPE is committed to telling compelling and contemporary stories that are socially and culturally appropriate to the world we live in today. In alignment with our core values, productions are chosen and developed with the intention that they are truthful, meaningful, provocative, and entertaining for all those involved.

Empathy is at the heart of theatre, performance, and education. At EPE, we look to particular aspects of theatre and performance to help us enact empathy in a manner that is respectful and dialogic—that seeks not simply to perform another’s experience, but rather to engage it. Cultivating empathy is an ongoing process and action that requires community engagement, along with a thorough understanding of why economic, social, and political inequality persist in our communities. EPE Community Conversations seek to begin and continue this education for our EPs, bringing in diverse, critical voices to the discussion. Now, perhaps more than ever before, is the societal need to mobilize our empathy so that it can continue to be a useful tool for generating social change.

Productions at EPE are strengthened by the collective artistry of the group. All company members equally participate in conversation, devising, and table-work to help influence and guide the creative decisions of the production. We believe in creating space for company members to learn from one another, to explore and ask big questions in rehearsal, and contribute to the artistic voice of the show.