our mission for professional, Small-Scale theater

Inspired by the Small Scale Agriculture Movement, which champions local farmers and markets as alternatives to big corporate agriculture, Rivertowns Playhouse envisions a similar path for the future of American theater. We believe that professional, high-quality performing arts should be created by, of, and for the people, and be accessible to everyone.

Our mission is to decentralize the artistic landscape, challenging profit-focused corporate Broadway and Hollywood, where the bottom line is prioritized over the art and the people creating it. By investing in our local community, we aim to democratize the performing arts, empowering individuals and communities by returning the power of entertainment and inspiration to their hands—audience and performers alike.

Rivertowns Playhouse serves as a catalyst for this transformation, fostering a vibrant artistic community that thrives on grassroots initiatives. By engaging with us, you become an essential part of this movement. Together, we can reshape the artistic landscape of theater, creating a future where the arts flourish within and for the people.

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 wheelchair 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.

LAND acknowledgment

Rivertowns Playhouse acknowledges that the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Wappinger people. We recognize and respect their enduring connection to this land, and we pay our respects to their ancestors, elders, and future generations. This land remains home to many diverse Indigenous peoples, including the Lenape, Munsee, Mohican, and Schaghticoke tribes. We are committed to working towards a more inclusive and respectful future.

Rivertowns Playhouse EDIA Statement: Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

At Rivertowns Playhouse, the official theater wing of the Center for Independent Productions (CIP), we are committed to creating an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and included. Our dedication to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) is central to our mission of empowering and uplifting the community through the transformative power of the arts.

Equity

We are committed to fostering an equitable environment where all individuals have access to the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive. Recognizing and addressing systemic inequalities, we strive to ensure fair treatment and opportunities for all, irrespective of their background or circumstances.

Diversity

Rivertowns Playhouse celebrates the rich diversity of humanity. We actively include people from a wide range of identities, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, age, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, and cultural heritage. Our programs reflect this commitment, showcasing diverse perspectives and voices to enrich our community.

Inclusion

Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We create spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued. By fostering a culture of belonging, we ensure that differences are not only acknowledged but celebrated. We work to amplify all voices and provide opportunities for everyone to contribute and flourish within our organization and community.

Accessibility

We believe that the arts should be accessible to everyone. By removing barriers, we aim to create inclusive environments that meet the diverse needs of our community. This includes ensuring our facilities, programs, and services are accessible, and offering accommodations that allow full participation for individuals with disabilities.

Our Commitment

Programs and Services

We deliver programs that are inclusive and accessible to all members of our community. This includes free acting workshops for developmentally disabled adults and ensuring that all events are held in accessible venues with accommodations to support full participation.

Education and Training

Our staff, board members, and volunteers undergo continuous education and training on EDIA principles and practices. This commitment equips our team to create and maintain inclusive spaces while advocating for equity and accessibility in all our efforts.

Community Engagement

We actively engage with diverse communities to understand their needs and perspectives. Through partnerships with local organizations that share our commitment to EDIA, we collaboratively promote social justice and inclusion within and beyond the Rivertowns.

Accountability

We hold ourselves accountable by regularly assessing and evaluating our policies and practices. Feedback from our community and stakeholders is essential to our continuous improvement and ensures that our approach to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility remains effective and relevant.

Representation

We are dedicated to ensuring diverse representation across our leadership, staff, and board. A diverse team enhances our organization with a wealth of perspectives and experiences, enriching our work and strengthening our ability to serve the community.

By embedding EDIA principles into every aspect of our work, Rivertowns Playhouse aspires to build a vibrant, inclusive, and equitable arts community. Together, we can create a space 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.

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