That Uppity Theatre Company Partners with SSM
to Create Diverse Works

Last spring, Yvonne Tisdale, Corporate Vice President of Human Resources and System Diversity at SSM Healthcare, approached That Uppity Theatre Company about creating an innovative theatre piece about diversity in the workplace to be performed throughout its healthcare system.

Uppity is internationally known for creating cutting edge work on topical issues, while SSM is known throughout the health care industry for maintaining cutting edge standards. This year, SSM received the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation's premier award for performance excellence and quality achievement. It is the first time in the history of the Baldrige awards that a winner was named in the health care category. Artistic Director Joan Lipkin suggested Diverse Works as the title, and rehearsals began over the summer.

"We are thrilled to be working with such an innovative organization as SSM and applaud their desire to pilot this program. Diversity is a complicated and challenging issue that is increasingly significant in our changing world. Live performance provides an exciting and non-threatening way to explore these issues," Lipkin said.

Typically, the process involved in mounting most theatrical productions is a structured one: a script is selected, the actors rehearse, the material is performed. The actors are usually expected to remain faithful to the script, often referencing their character motives rather than considering the larger issues on which the material comments. But Lipkin, who specializes in creating original material around topical issues for such organizations as the Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure, A World of Difference and the ACLU, conducts rehearsals differently.

The Diverse Works Project was structured around developing a script through the rehearsal process. Early in the summer, Lipkin assembled an ensemble of adventurous and inventive actors with an interest in exploring diversity. According to Lipkin, the absence of a script allows the actors to be "more creative, rather than interpretive." The actors spent weeks experimenting with improvisational scenarios and exercises intended to reveal individual and collective perspectives on diversity issues, including homophobia, racism, ethnocentrism, classism, among others. The actors were always encouraged to reflect on their work and make suggestions for the group.

Lipkin also met frequently with Yvonne Tisdale to get feedback on the progress of the project and elicit her imput for areas of focus. The company did extensive research to provide statistical background on diversity issues as part of the text. Lipkin and some of the company members then drafted a script.

A proponent of collaboration, she also enlisted the participation of Cecil Slaughter, artist-in-residence at Washington University's Dance Program and a former ensemble member at the Dayton Dance Company to lead the ensemble in warm-ups and dances. He collaborated with Lipkin to emphasize movement and body work, encouraging the actors to express themselves without words. In a project of this kind, there is room for many kinds of participation. Sarah Shimchick took detailed notes to assist in the script development, allowing the actors to reflect upon their activities in between sessions. Shimchick is currently a graduate student at the George Warren Brown School of Social Work.

With some of the most accomplished actors in the St. Louis area, the performers include Pamela Banning, Jaclyn Marshall, Margeau Steinau, Andrea Hayes, Daniel Logan, Tann Moore, Joel King and Suzanne Peebles. Many have worked in various positions at the St. Louis Black Rep, Hothouse and City Theatre, and are united by their desire to utilize theatre as social change and a means of self-expression.

Diverse Works has been performed for SSM Healthcare, New City School, Energizer Battery and the World of Difference Dinner.

Diverse Works In YOUR Workplace
Concerned about diversity issues in the workplace and not sure how to address them in a way that people don't shut down? Please consider our Diverse Works Project, a humorous and action packed 30 minute piece that addresses sexual harassment, racism, homophobia, xenophobia and claims through song, movement, short sketches and personal narrative. Available with facilitated conversation.