Broadway Green Alliance | Sustainable Solutions for Reopening Theatre with its Backstage Toolkit
February 5, 2021
Reduce, Reuse, Reopen: Backstage Toolkit
The Broadway Green Alliance has created a Free Backstage Toolkit for the eco-friendly—and safe—reopening of theaters. To help people learn how to incorporate greener practices into specific theatre roles, the toolkit includes suggestions for all departments; it includes a list of CDC approved cleaning products as well as suggested methods, apps, and programs to digitize some backstage operations.
The BGAs free toolkit outlines solutions that directly address the needs presented by COVID-19, to keep the health of our planet and all who inhabit it at the forefront of our efforts to rebuild our industry in a more environmentally friendly way.
The theater community has made great strides in sustainability over the last decade. As we consider how to reopen our theaters and return to work, we have the opportunity to further integrate sustainable solutions into our protocols. Prioritizing health and safety does not need to come at the expense of the environment. In fact, the COVID-19 crisis shines a spotlight on the inextricable link between the health and safety of our people and our planet.
Our industry faces an enormous number of challenges and a series of interconnected crises, from the economic impacts of COVID-19 to a much-needed reckoning with systemic racism to climate change. These issues are intersectional and we now have a unique opportunity to redefine our priorities to promote social and environmental well-being.
This document is not intended to replace or supersede Health and Safety requirements—it is a companion document, intended to assist in decision-making at all levels and provide sustainable resources for consideration in those decisions.
This document was written by and for the Broadway, Off-Broadway, and touring theater community and, as such, provides many NYC-focused vendors and solutions. However, the recommendations are applicable to theater makers and artists in any location. The BGA suggests readers seek out local, comparable alternatives and reach out to the Broadway Green Alliance for assistance or to share suggestions.
Backstage Toolkit
This guide outlines solutions that directly address the needs presented by COVID-19, to keep the health of our planet and all who inhabit it at the forefront of our efforts to rebuild our industry. The BGA knows that some of these suggestions are changes in the way things have been done. They’ll continue to update this Toolkit with your feedback and as guidance changes—it is a living document. Please direct any questions, here..
Backstage Toolkit authors:
Mike Banta; Molly Braverman; John Carrafa; Mara Davi; Charlie Deull; Lauren Gaston; Montego Glover; Justin Goldner; Marjorie Horne; Jim Joseph; Jereme Kyle Lewis; Krissy Linacre; Lauren Mandras; Erin Benim Mayland; Edward T. Morris; Bridget O’Connor; Bonnie Panson; Laurel Parrish; Arbender Robinson; Susan Sampliner; Bobby Score; and Austin Sora.