Tawdry Toolbox exists and produces shows in what is known as Victoria, British Columbia, on lands that were stolen from Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples, whose traditions are continued as the Songhees, Esquimalt, and Saanich Nations. Several other nations border the region, including the Cowichan, Pauquachin, Tsartlip, Tsawout, Tseycum, and T’Sou-ke Nations. We recognize the harm done through colonization and the ongoing harms that continue through systemic discrimination within existing governance and policies. Some of our performers come from lands belonging to other nations and we encourage everyone to learn more about the lands on which they live, and to learn about Land Back initiatives.
We are committed to providing opportunities for performers from all backgrounds. Our goal with each cast is to prioritize diversity, including BIPOC performers, performers with disabilities (visible and invisible), performers of all body types and sizes, and a range of ages. We are also open to debut acts, allowing performers to put new ideas in front of an audience.
Tawdry Toolbox is openly and unapologetically queer and has zero tolerance for any type of bigotry or discrimination based on sexuality, gender identity, gender presentation, race, ethnicity, religion, age*, ability, or employment or social status. We believe that Indigenous, Black, and trans lives matter, that sex work is work, that housing is a human right, and that everyone deserves dignity. Every show will include a donation to a cause or society that is related to the show theme or to an equally important cause.
We are committed to producing shows in accessible venues and accommodating both performers and audience members as much as possible within those spaces.
We welcome your suggestions and feedback about this policy or about interactions you may have had at a show we produced; if something went awry we will do everything we can to make amends and to do better in the future.
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* note: most shows are produced with a 19+ audience in mind, and cast will be limited to 19+ for those shows.