Guided by the strategic plan and its mission, Northrop undertook a reorganization plan kickstarted by the retirement of beloved Director of Ticketing Holly Radis-McCluskey after 30 years with the University. A steadfast colleague, Radis-McClusky always remembered that fun and joy are at the heart of what we do. With that change, careful consideration went into how to be strategic and intentional in a staffing structure that would best serve all constituencies. From this plan, the programming, education, and engagement teams merged into Artistic & Community Programs, the marketing and ticketing teams combined into Business Development & Customer Support, and the accounting team moved out of ticketing and joined Administration. The goal was to create operational efficiencies to better accomplish our strategic commitments in support of our mission and vision. A revised Education Coordinator role and new Communications Associate and Business Development Manager positions emerged from this restructuring to provide support for these revised teams. During the 2022-23 fiscal year, five new staff members joined the team, 104 paid student interns and ushers ably assisted, and all staff brought their innovative ideas, varied outside experiences, and invigorating energy to this dynamic community.

The 10/20/30 Pledge is a commitment to racial equity, diversity and inclusion (REDI) for the performing arts. The Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) 10/20/30 Pledge is a 10-year commitment to empower, represent, and engage the work of artists and organizations who identify as and whose primary focus is from Black, Native/Indigenous, People of Color, women, individuals with Disabilities, and LGBTQIA2S+ persons. As an organization, Northrop recognizes the importance of this initiative and during the 2022-23 Season, surpassed its 10/20/30 commitment pledges in every category with 84.8% of all presentations and 40.5% of all programming expenses meeting the 10/20/30 standard.

An important value of Northrop, in fact a tenet of its strategic plan, is a dedication to removing barriers to access to all of its programming. This includes continuing livestream and on-demand performances for those who have difficulty traveling to the building, captioning events for those with hearing difficulties, striving to maintain the latest accessibility standards for our website, circulating large-print programs for those who need them, and expanding services to provide attendees the opportunity to enjoy live performance in a welcoming and supportive environment that accommodates specific needs. Northrop was proud to present in Apr 2023, our first Sensory Friendly Performance with Pilobolus and help from our partner, AuSM. In addition, during seven events, a sensory friendly lounge, equipped with sensory supports and trained staff, was available for guests seeking a safe and soothing atmosphere.

IDEAS Committee

A staff initiative, the IDEAS committee’s 2022-23 charge was to continue to identify and dismantle barriers to patron access at Northrop. The committee wanted to understand who is missing from Northrop audiences and why. IDEAS reached out to community members unfamiliar with Northrop, conducted a formal survey and in-person facilitated discussions, identified existing and perceived barriers, and made recommendations to Northrop leadership. There is still work to do, but by investigating, listening, investing in resources, partnering with community organizations and individuals, we have begun removing barriers and drawing a roadmap for better access to Northrop.