our mission for professional, Small-Scale theater

Inspired by the principles of the Small Scale Agriculture Movement, which champions local farms and farmer's markets as alternatives to large agricultural corporations, the Rivertowns Playhouse advocates for a similar approach to the future of theater in America. We firmly believe that professional, high-quality performing arts should originate from within our Rivertowns, be created by community members, and be intended for the benefit of everyone.

By investing in the Rivertowns, we aim to decentralize the artistic landscape, challenging the dominance of the systems prevalent in Broadway and Hollywood. Our goal is to empower individuals and our communities by placing the power of entertainment and inspiration back into your hands.

RTP serves as a catalyst for this transformative process. We strive to foster a vibrant artistic community that flourishes through grassroots initiatives. By engaging with us, you become an integral part of this movement. Together, we can reshape the artistic landscape of the Rivertowns and create a future where the arts thrive within and for our villages and beyond!

Theatrical Performing Arts mirror our world's dynamic challenges, offering both reflection and hope. Rivertowns Playhouse is dedicated to staging plays, musicals, and productions that resonate deeply with these contemporary themes. We believe in the power of theater to help us navigate the complexities of our era, offering a sanctuary of understanding and catharsis.

In an era characterized by profound change, Rivertowns Playhouse offers a sanctuary to explore and interpret the evolving stories of our time. We are committed to financial accessibility, presenting plays entirely free of charge in a venue that boasts free parking and is conveniently located near key public transportation hubs, including the Westchester Bus Bee Line (Routes: 1, 1T, 1W) at Broadway and Main Street, as well as the Metro North Station Hudson Line at Irvington. Our facilities are handicap accessible, and we are continuously working to enhance our ADA compliance. Our unwavering commitment to continuously improving our inclusivity capabilities ensures that our theater remains inviting to everyone, delivering stories that resonate with and inspire a diverse spectrum of audiences.

EDIA: Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Statement (Broader C.I.P.)

At the Center for Independent Productions (CIP), we are dedicated to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and included. Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) is at the heart of everything we do, driving our mission to empower and uplift our community through the transformative power of the arts.

Equity

We strive to create an equitable environment where everyone has access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to succeed. We recognize and address systemic inequalities and work diligently to ensure fair treatment and opportunities for all, regardless of background or circumstances.

Diversity

CIP celebrates the rich tapestry of human diversity. We actively seek to include people from a wide range of identities, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, and cultural background. Our programs and initiatives reflect this commitment to embracing and showcasing diverse perspectives and voices.

Inclusion

Inclusion means creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued. We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging, where differences are not just acknowledged but celebrated. We work to ensure that all voices are heard and that everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive within our organization and the wider community.

Accessibility

We believe that the arts should be accessible to all. We are dedicated to removing barriers and creating inclusive environments that accommodate the diverse needs of our community. This includes providing accessible facilities, programs, and services, as well as offering accommodations to ensure full participation for individuals with disabilities.

Our Commitment

1. Programs and Services: We design and deliver programs that are inclusive and accessible to all members of our community. This includes offering free workshops for the developmentally disabled adult community and ensuring that all our events and activities are accessible.

2. Education and Training: We provide ongoing education and training for our staff, board members, and volunteers on EDIA principles and practices. This ensures that our team is equipped to create and maintain inclusive spaces and to advocate for equity and accessibility in all our efforts.

3. Community Engagement: We actively engage with diverse communities to understand their needs and perspectives. We build partnerships with local organizations that share our commitment to EDIA and work collaboratively to promote social justice and inclusion.

4. Accountability: We hold ourselves accountable to our EDIA commitments through regular assessments and evaluations of our practices and policies. We seek feedback from our community and stakeholders to continuously improve and evolve our approach to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.

5. Representation: We are dedicated to ensuring diverse representation within our leadership, staff, and board. We believe that a diverse team brings a wealth of perspectives and experiences that enrich our organization and better serve our community.

By embedding EDIA principles into every aspect of our work, the Center for Independent Productions aims to create a vibrant, inclusive, and equitable arts community where everyone has the opportunity to engage, express, and excel. We invite you to join us in this vital journey towards a more just and inclusive society.

LEGAL

The Rivertowns Playhouse is honored to be a client of the esteemed Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA) organization. This partnership underscores our commitment to fostering a creative and legally sound environment for artists and performers. Through the invaluable support and guidance of the VLA, we ensure that our artistic endeavors are not only culturally enriching but also adhere to the highest standards of legal compliance and ethical practices in the arts sector.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Rivertowns Playhouse, is a proud client of Bambee Human Resources. This collaboration has brought a significant enhancement to our administrative operations, particularly in streamlining HR processes and ensuring compliance with employment laws. Bambee's expertise in human resource management has allowed us to focus more on nurturing creative talent and less on the complexities of HR. Their personalized approach and understanding of our unique needs as a playhouse have been instrumental in fostering a harmonious and productive work environment. This partnership underscores our commitment to not only artistic excellence but also to the professional development and well-being of our dedicated team.

Photography

The essence of a play is difficult to capture. It is a thing meant to be enjoyed together, live and in the moment, which means the challenge of documenting theater is vast. How does one capture the magic of a living, breathing piece of art, while also translating to the world what it was like to sit in the audience and experience all it had to offer? Luckily, the guy who can do it is Westchester’s very own Nik Bucci! His stunning, breathtaking photos of our productions allow us to share with the world all that ISC has built and what it can create. He is vital in helping us do this work, and we are so thankful for everything he does for our little company. To find more of his work and inquire about hiring Nik (highly, highly recommend!), you can visit his website: cottagestudios.com

Logo design

Our logo took nearly four months to design. It was a thoughtful, meditative, and ambitious journey, but our final look represents everything we could have ever wanted. And the one to thank is the incomparable Agatha Rybicki! Her deft attention to detail and style was matched by her passionate dedication to the story we wanted to tell. We are forever grateful for her friendship, talent, and focus. To find more of her work, you can visit: knockoutletterpress.com