INTRODUCTION
Starmaker Theatre Company is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, valued and able to participate fully.

Inclusion is about welcoming people and creating a sense of belonging, ensuring that everyone feels valued and has a voice. It recognises and respects differences in experiences, ideas, opinions and backgrounds.

Diversity is about recognising and celebrating differences between people. This includes the protected characteristics identified within the Equality Act 2010/ Diversity also recognises broader characteristics including gender identity, social and economic background, culture, family circumstances and neurodiversity.

Equality means ensuring that everyone has fair access to opportunities and is treated with dignity and respect. Equality does not always mean treating everyone in exactly the same way, as individuals may have different needs or barriers that require consideration. Equity recognises that people may start from different circumstances and that equal treatment alone may not create equal opportunities. Equity means providing appropriate support, adjustments or resources to help remove barriers and enable everyone to participate fully.

 

PURPOSE

Starmaker Theatre Company is committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming and respectful environment where every child, young person and adult is valued, supported and able to participate fully in our activities.

As a youth theatre charity, we believe theatre should be accessible to everyone and that diversity strengthens creativity, confidence, teamwork and community.

The purpose of this policy is to:

• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and equity throughout Starmaker Theatre Company;

• Ensure everyone is treated fairly and with dignity and respect;

• Challenge discrimination, bullying, harassment and exclusion;

• Support children, young people and adults to participate fully;

• Ensure our practices reflect our values as a charity.

 

SCOPE

This policy applies to:

• Children and young people participating in Starmaker activities;

• Parents and carers;

• Paid staff;

• Freelance workers;

• Volunteers;

• Trustees and committee members;

• Visitors and anyone representing Starmaker Theatre Company.

This policy applies to all Starmaker activities, including:

• Stage School;

• LAMDA classes;

• Workshops;

• Rehearsals;

• Performances;

• Summer School;

• Trips;

• Community events and fundraising activities.

 

OUR COMMITMENT

Starmaker Theatre Company believes that:

• Every person has the right to be treated fairly, with dignity and respect;

• Everyone should have equal opportunities to participate and develop their talents;

• Children and young people should feel safe, valued and included;

• Diversity should be celebrated and reflected within our productions and activities;

• Discrimination, harassment, bullying and victimisation will not be tolerated.

We are committed to creating an environment where people can be themselves and participate without fear of prejudice, discrimination or exclusion.

 

EQUALITY LEGISLATION

Starmaker Theatre Company will operate in accordance with the principles of the Equality Act 2010 and other relevant legislation and guidance.

We recognise the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010:

• Age;

• Disability;

• Gender reassignment;

• Marriage and civil partnership;

• Pregnancy and maternity;

• Race;

• Religion or belief;

• Sex;

• Sexual orientation.

Starmaker Theatre Company will not unlawfully discriminate against anyone because of a protected characteristic.

 

INCLUSION AT STARMAKER

We aim to make our activities accessible and welcoming by:

• Encouraging participation from all backgrounds;

• Adapting activities where reasonable adjustments are required;

• Considering individual needs and circumstances;

• Supporting children and young people with additional needs;

• Ensuring communication is respectful and inclusive;

• Creating opportunities for everyone to develop confidence and creativity.

We recognise that children and young people have different abilities, experiences, cultures and circumstances. We will work to ensure everyone can participate meaningfully and feel valued.

 

DISABILITY AND ADDITIONAL NEEDS

Starmaker Theatre Company is committed to supporting children, young people and adults with disabilities and additional needs.

We will:

• Discuss individual requirements with families where appropriate;

• Make reasonable adjustments wherever possible;

• Work with parents and carers to understand support needs;

• Avoid assumptions about what individuals can or cannot achieve;

• Promote inclusion within classes, rehearsals and performances.

Where adjustments cannot reasonably be made, Starmaker will communicate openly and explore alternative ways to support participation.

 

DIVERSITY IN PRODUCTIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Starmaker Theatre Company recognises the importance of representation and inclusion within theatre.

We aim to:

• Provide opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds;

• Encourage inclusive casting practices where appropriate;

• Avoid stereotypes and discriminatory representation;

• Celebrate different cultures, identities and experiences;

• Select material that is appropriate, respectful and suitable for our members.

Casting decisions will be based on the requirements of the production, suitability for the role, individual ability and the inclusive values of Starmaker Theatre Company.

 

BULLYING, HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION

Starmaker Theatre Company has a zero-tolerance approach to:

• Racism;

• Sexism;

• Homophobia;

• Transphobia;

• Ableism;

• Religious discrimination;

• Harassment;

• Bullying;

• Hate speech;

• Any behaviour intended to exclude, intimidate or harm others.

All concerns will be taken seriously and responded to appropriately.

Where concerns involve children or young people, safeguarding procedures will be followed.

 

LANGUAGE AND BEHAVIOUR

Everyone involved with Starmaker is expected to:

• Treat others with kindness and respect;

• Use appropriate and inclusive language;

• Respect differences in identity, culture and background;

• Avoid language or behaviour that may cause harm or distress.

Staff and volunteers must act as positive role models at all times.

 

RECRUITMENT AND VOLUNTEERS

Starmaker Theatre Company is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment.

We will:

• Recruit based on skills, experience and suitability;

• Provide equal opportunities regardless of background;

• Avoid unfair discrimination during recruitment;

• Ensure staff and volunteers understand their responsibilities regarding inclusion.

All appointments remain subject to appropriate safeguarding checks where required.

 

SUPPORTING FAMILIES

Starmaker recognises that families have different circumstances and needs.

We will aim to:

• Communicate clearly and respectfully;

• Provide accessible information where possible;

• Treat all families fairly;

• Consider reasonable requests for support;

• Ensure families feel welcomed and included.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Trustees and management committee are responsible for ensuring:

• This policy is implemented effectively;

• Equality, diversity, inclusion and equity remain central to Starmaker’s values;

• Concerns are appropriately addressed.

Staff, teachers and volunteers must:

• Follow this policy;

• Promote inclusion;

• Challenge inappropriate behaviour;

• Report concerns.

Children and young people are expected to:

• Respect others;

• Avoid bullying or discriminatory behaviour;

• Follow Starmaker’s Members & Student Code of Conduct.

 

REPORTING CONCERNS

Anyone who experiences or witnesses discrimination, bullying, harassment or exclusion should report concerns to:

• Chairman;

• Company Manager;

• Welfare Officer / Designated Safeguarding Lead;

• Trustee representative where appropriate.

Concerns involving children or young people will be managed in accordance with Starmaker Theatre Company’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy.

 

CONFIDENTIALITY

Information relating to equality, diversity, inclusion or individual support needs will be handled sensitively and confidentially.

Personal information will be managed in accordance with:

• UK GDPR;

• Data Protection Act 2018;

• Starmaker Theatre Company’s Data Protection Policy.

 

REVIEW

This policy will be reviewed every three years or sooner if required due to changes in legislation or guidance, or the charity's operations.

Approved by: Board of Trustees July 2026

Review Frequency: Every three years