DRAFT OF PROPOSED STATEMENT ON INTEGRATION (AND EMPLOYMENT) OF NEGRO PERFORMERS

Six years ago a *committee, composed of representatives of the (joint) Dramatists'* Guild, *League of New York Theatres, and Actors' Equity Association* (committee) on Integration of Negro Performers issued a statement calling on all of the creative elements in the theatre and (its derivative forms) *other branches of the entertainment industry* to recognize the realities of (the) American society today. It was pointed out that honesty, decency, justice and indeed the best interests of the democratic credo would be served by (an honest) recognition of this fact. It was further pointed out that in failing to give truthful recognition to the expanding role of the Negro in our society, the image of America as reflected in the theatre was distorted and misleading.

Since that statement was issued, there have been *several* significant attempts to (use and) integrate Negro *and other non-Caucasian* artists *in various media* of the performing arts. In every instance in which this has been done realism has been more faithfully served and the theatre has been vitalized. However, in spite of this pragmatic demonstration of the force of the truthful portrayal of the Negro as an integral part of the American scene, (further) efforts in this direction have been fragmentary and isolated.

We of the theatre who pride ourselves as being in the forefront of freedom and the realization of the American dream, have not gone far enough along this road -- in fact, have not kept up with the corresponding movements and accomplishments in other areas of American life. It is essential that this healthy beginning be an example to others -- that this beginning become something more of a total reality. *Indeed, this progressive spirit should be reflected in even greater measure in non-realistic works.* In such *forms there exists unlimited opportunity for expression with full freedom to cast solely on the basis of creative ability and talent.*

We therefore call on all responsible creative elements of the theatre arts to assume the responsibility that goes hand in hand with freedom of choice; to cast aside preconceptions regarding the casting of Negro *and other non-Caucasian* artists, and to extend their scope and participation in all types of roles *in realistic and non-realistic productions in all forms of American entertainment* (in the interest of presenting a true and honest picture of American life today.)

EXTRACT FROM STATEMENT

of Committee of

Dramatists' Guild

LEAGUE OF NEW YORK THEATRES

Actors' Equity Associations

on the

INTEGRATION AND EMPLOYMENT OF NEGRO PERFORMERS

The theatre and all other forms of American entertainment are today among the most powerful and influential media of communication and education. In a critical world period, when the democratic credo is under fire, it becomes increasingly important that the expanding role of our Negro citizens in the community of this nation be adequately portrayed in the entertainment arts.

The realities of the American scene today confirm the portrayal of the Negro as a more general part of the scheme of our society, for example, as postmen, policemen, clerks, secretaries, government workers, doctors and teachers, without the necessity of emphasis on Race.

If writers, producers, directors and casting agents would consider the Negro artist primarily as an artist, to be given consideration for casting in any roles which his ability permits, it would be a vitalizing force in the theatre. In the instances where this has been observed, there has been no violation of the naturalistic tradition of the theatre. On the contrary, realism has been more faithfully served, has advanced the interest of the theatre, and has actually lent increased variety and excitement to the presentations.

In the recent past, a well-intentioned but ill-directed sensitivity to this problem has worked inadvertent harm to the Negro artist. Apprehensive of doing injustice to the Negro citizens and offending humanity, writers and producers have tended to completely eliminate the Negro in comedy and servant roles. This policy, well-meant though it may be, is unrealistic and has seriously curtailed the employment of the Negro artist. While caricature and stereotype are always to be condemned, there is nothing inherently wrong in comedy or servant roles when they are part of an honest living presentation. However, when the Negro citizens are presented exclusively in such roles, an imbalance results, and their integration in American life is improperly set before the world.

We must correct this situation, not by eliminating the Negro artist, but by enlarging his scope and participation in all types of roles and in all forms of American entertainment -- just as in American life, the Negro citizen's role now extends from the kitchen to the United Nations.

This statement is endorsed by Actors' Equity, League of New York Theatres, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Negro Actors Guild, the Co-ordinating Council for Negro Performers and other Theatrical and civic organizations.