Highlights
A New Program Boosting Noteworthy Productions
What are Highlights?
We're honoring incredible productions across the Bay that are driving the future of theatre forward.
The Highlights program uplifts specific shows that have met the important benchmarks required to earn one (or more) of our four achievements below. When you see one of these badges you can expect to see theatre produced, rehearsed, and performed according to these values.
Homegrown
This production is creating jobs and creative opportunities right here in the Bay Area!
Reflection
The Bay Area is beautifully diverse and so is this production!
Open Doors
This production has taken tangible, intentional steps to increase access for Bay Area audiences!
Going Green
This production has a reduced environmental impact to help save our beautiful planet!
These badges are featured across TBA's website, What's Playing show listings, What's Playing Instagram, TheatreGoer Newsletter, and anywhere else theatre is found.
When you support shows with these badges, you're supporting theatremakers living these values.
The Achievement Criteria
How did the show achieve one of these badges?
Productions have to meet a certain number of criteria for each badge. Based on years of experience in the Bay Area scene, these criteria were determined to require a concentrated effort, be achievable regardless of budget size, and represent meaningful areas of growth in the community.
Homegrown
This production is creating jobs and creative opportunities right here in the Bay Area!
This achievement goes to productions that have a 100% local cast AND hires 100% locally for two or more theatremaker categories for that show. This means the performance you are seeing has 100% local actors, as well as majority local designers, directors, playwrights, stage management, backstage crew, musicians, and dramaturgs. This achievement also includes productions that have connections with local apprenticeship programs. Want to see a show that is by and for local theatre artists? Look for the Homegrown Achievement!
Criteria
Your production has a 100% local cast and two or more of the following:
- 100% local designers
- 100% local directors (stage, music, choreography, fight, intimacy)
- 100% local playwrighting team (playwright, librettist, composer)
- 100% local stage management team (SM, ASM)
- 100% local backstage crew
- 100% local pit band/orchestra
- Local dramaturg
- At least one member of the production leadership who trained in a local apprenticeship, mentorship, or training program
- At least one paid apprenticeship opportunity for a local theatre artist
Reflection
The Bay Area is beautifully diverse and so is this production!
This achievement goes to productions that prioritize disabled, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, those over 55, those under 25, and those with marginalized gender identities when hiring. The Bay Area theatre community is diverse and this achievement honors productions that represent our diversity both onstage, offstage, in leadership, and in the house. When you see a production with a Reflection Achievement, you can be assured that you are seeing a show that reflects the richness of the Bay Area theatre community!
Criteria
You have three or more of the following reflected in your overall production, including at least one person in a leadership position
- 25% Disabled Identifying
- 50% BIPOC Identifying
- 50% LGBTQIA+ Identifying
- 50% Identifying with a marginalized gender identity
- 25% over 55 years old
- At least one member of the production's leadership (director, stage manager, choreographer, lead designer, etc.) is under 25 years old
Open Doors
This production has taken tangible, intentional steps to increase access for Bay Area audiences!
This achievement goes to productions that prioritize a physically and financially accessible audience experience. Open Doors celebrates theatres who make a return to theatre going an option for everyone! Looking for shows that meet your needs and make it accessible, comfortable, and enjoyable to go to the theatre? Look for the Open Doors achievement badge!
Criteria
Your production has three or more of the following:
- Pay-what-you-can or complimentary tickets available to the public
- At least one sensory-friendly performance
- At least one mask-required performance
- At least one performance with audio description
- At least one performance with ASL interpretation and/or captioning devices available
- Fragrance-free audience experiences available
- At least one performance with onsite childcare available
- At least one streaming performance
- Accessible, all-gender bathrooms available at all performances
Going Green
This production has a reduced environmental impact to help save our beautiful planet!
This achievement goes to productions committed to supporting the planet. The Going Green achievement acknowledges the environmental impact of producing theatre and honors companies who are making sustainable choices backstage, onstage, and in the house. Go Green at the theatre by selecting companies that have shows with the Going Green Achievement.
Criteria
Your production has three or more of the following:
- 100% recycled, repurposed, borrowed or thrifted costumes and props
- 100% recycled, repurposed or sustainably sourced building materials and/or set pieces
- 100% of all purchased new items, equipment, and materials sourced locally
- 100% post-production recycling, repurposing, restocking, or donation of props, costumes, scenic elements, and building materials
- 100% use of rechargeable batteries for portable equipment (Radios, headsets, mic packs, flashlights, etc…)
- 100% use of energy-efficient lamps (Mixed LED or 100% LED)
- 100% use of non-toxic or low-toxicity cleaning products, paints, and finishes
- 100% paperless audience materials with the exception of large type printed materials for accessibility.
- Public transportation guide available on your website
How does it work for theatre companies?
TBA Company Members can fill out a short questionnaire about the production to apply for Achievements. All productions that qualify for an Achievement will receive a graphics packet to help promote your show. In addition, TBA will spotlight member productions with achievements on our social media, newsletters, and website.
If you have your event details and graphics on hand...
You can submit your What's Playing show listing in the same form. Just log in to the member portal, and select "Submit to What's Playing" on the left hand menu.
If you only have your production information...
Fill out this form to apply. You'll still need to submit a the What's Playing listing form to appear on our channels, but we'll be able to review your eligibility and provide you with the media kit.
After you Apply
We will review your application and get back to you within one week. If you met the eligibility criteria, (congratulations!) we will send you the graphics packet to promote your show, and include your achievements across our platforms.