Established in 2011, Food for Groundlings is an inclusive classical theatre company dedicated to the exposure, exploration, and revitalization of the works of William Shakespeare and other classical artists in the Pittsburgh region.

We operate with a deep commitment to justice and equity, recognizing that diversity alone is not a sufficient goal. We reject tokenism and the perpetuation of unjust systems. Instead, we center justice and equity as guiding principles in all aspects of our work.

​

We affirm the safety and well-being of our artists and collaborators by:
 

• Adhering to public health best practices as outlined by the Chicago Theatre Standards.
   

• Upholding the Principles of Disability Justice (Sins Invalid), including intersectionality, leadership of the most impacted, anti-capitalist politic, cross-movement organizing, wholeness, sustainability, cross-disability solidarity, interdependence, collective access, and collective liberation.
   

• Implementing intimacy professionals in all productions involving intimate content, in accordance with the 5 Pillars of Intimacy Direction.
   

We partner with companies and creators to produce art that is safe, accessible, and inclusive- free from constraints of typecasting, ability/disability, and gender. We uplift and prioritize Queer/LGBTQ+ actors, characters, and stories, and ensure that such communities are meaningfully represented, centered, and deferred to as leaders in both process and performance.

To realize this mission, Food for Groundlings commits to:
 

• Exposure: Presenting Shakespeare’s works with reverence for the text and a culturally conscious lens. We critically assess each production’s relevance, leadership, and impact on marginalized communities.
   

• Education: Offering programs for cast, crew, and the public, including directing workshops, sonnet events, and training initiatives.
   

• Revitalization: Exploring the human condition through Shakespeare’s language and other classical works, revealing their enduring complexity and relevance.