SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane Civic Theatre canceled “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” after receiving backlash for releasing a predominantly white cast list.
The theatre had already released the casting list for the show but received criticism because the actors who were cast are predominantly white. Since then, leadership says it has been working to overhaul its casting process.
Executive Director Jake Schaefer says the decision was difficult.
“The decision to cancel Hunchback was very difficult, because the consideration was for the people that were included in the show and the broader community that expressed concerns about inclusion,” Schaefer said.
The theatre is bringing in new people and perspectives to rethink how it casts future productions.
“Work like integrating a community advocate casting liaison into the audition process, that’s really important,” Schaefer said. “On a more high level with our show selection process, having more voices involved in that.”
The theatre will produce “Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill: The Musical” this spring to replace the canceled production.
“We are very excited to announce that we are going to be producing Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill: The Musical this spring,” Schaefer said.
Casting for the new production will begin later this month, and performances will begin in late May. The casting liaison and leaders for the theatre’s board and advisory committees will begin their work immediately.
Schaefer says the backlash has not caused reduced ticket sales for other productions, but canceling a production did cost the theatre money. He hopes this will be an opportunity to better serve the community and include more diverse communities in the theatre.
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