DBDT has branded their new season as "Larger Than Life," a phrase that can suggest a sense of being untouchable or beyond accountability. But ticket buyers have the unique power to show that no entity, regardless of its prestige, is beyond reproach when it comes to fair labor practices and the treatment of its workers.
Reasons Not to Support DBDT’s New “Season”:
A non-exhaustive list…
- Firing Dancers: DBDT fired all of the main company dancers after they unanimously voted to unionize. Why should the show go on without them?
2. Ticket Sales Should Support Art and Artists: In addition to firing the main company dancers, DBDT has hired lawyers and a PR firm, while at the same time asking you to support them with North Texas Giving Day donations. Withholding monetary support – both through ticket sales and North Texas Giving Day donations – will show DBDT that they can’t have it both ways. Send a message – support your artists or lose the support of your community!
3. Paying for Performances Shouldn’t Come with a Side of Guilt: Knowing your ticket helps fund a company that fires its artists isn’t the way to enjoy an evening out. Find a show that raises your spirits, not your ethics concerns.
4. Protect Arts and Culture: Supporting this season would mean endorsing practices that threaten the future of performing arts, especially for those historically underrepresented in the Arts.
5. Stand with Artists: By not purchasing tickets, you avoid crossing a picket line and stand with the fired dancers who are fighting for fair treatment, safe working conditions, and a voice in the workplace.
6. Support Art, Not Silence: By purchasing a ticket, you’re indirectly supporting a culture where artists are fired after speaking out. True art thrives in an environment of freedom, expression, and advocacy, not fear.
7. Ongoing Labor Dispute: This very-public conflict with the fired union dancers is still unresolved, with DBDT facing unfair labor practice charges at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and probing from local government. Not a good look.
8. Your Ticket is a Vote: Where you spend your money matters. Buying a ticket to DBDT right now is like voting against artists and workers, and voting for unfair labor practices. Save your money for companies that prioritize their artists and values.
9. There’s a Better Stage to Stand On: By boycotting the season, you're telling DBDT leadership that the spotlight should shine on fairness, equity, and dignity. Help us ensure that every step is a step forward for all artists.
10. DBDT Has Yet to Announce Their New Dancers and Artistic Staff: On its website (as of right now), DBDT still has the names, pictures, and bios of the fired dancers, even though DBDT has hired new dancers for the season. Additionally, there have been major changes to the artistic staff that they haven't publicly announced too. Reminder: AGMA officially issued a Do Not Work Order before the company held auditions to replace the fired dancers.