Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Statement

At Nothing Without a Company (NWaC), we believe authentic stories come from raw, unfiltered voices. Our theatre is a playground for honesty, inclusivity, and real-world representation. We’re here to shake things up, not play it safe. This is how we build something meaningful.

Who We Are NWaC lifts up the voices of LGBTQIA+, Women, Trans and Gender Non-Binary/GNC folks, BIPOC individuals, and up-and-coming artists who deserve to be heard. We’re committed to creating a space where artists can bring their full, messy selves to the table. No polished masks, no shrinking—just unapologetic truth. Our team reflects that spirit: we’re majority queer, with AANHPI leadership and folks who know what it’s like to navigate invisible disabilities. This mix of experiences keeps us grounded and real.

What We Do

  • Keeping Theater Open to Everyone: Art shouldn’t have a gatekeeping fee. That’s why our ticketing model ranges from $60 to pay-what-you-can, with staged readings always donation-based. Everyone deserves a seat.

  • Rooting in the Community: We don’t just show up—we are part of our communities. Our productions dive deep into specific cultures and stories, making theater that feels like it belongs to everyone. Oh, and we don’t stop at plays. We partner with Berger Park Cultural Center to offer free zumba and yoga classes—because taking care of your body is part of the deal, too.

  • Backing Artists Like We Mean It: Over 70% of our budget goes directly to artists. We don’t just pay them—we pay above average for our size. Add in workshops, mentorships, and programs tailored for immersive or site-specific theater, and you’ve got a setup where artists thrive.

Our Values: ALOHA
NWaC rolls with the spirit of ALOHA, drawing from the heritage of our co-founder and Artistic Director, Hannah Ii-Epstein, who is AANHPI and was born and raised in Hawai’i. These values reflect her upbringing and guide how we approach our work. They keep us honest, grounded, and moving forward together:

  • Akahai (Kindness): Kindness isn’t just being "nice"—it’s showing up with empathy, ditching judgment, and listening with intent.

  • Lokahi (Unity): We’re stronger together. Unity means having each other’s backs, calling it out when things feel off, and finding balance without losing our edge.

  • Oia’i’o (Truth): Say what you mean, mean what you say. Truth doesn’t have to sting—it can be brave and constructive. It’s showing up honestly, even when it’s hard.

  • Ha’a ha’a (Humility): Forget the ego. Own your mistakes, learn from them, and move forward. Humility is about recognizing the work is bigger than any one of us.

  • Ahonui (Patience): This isn’t waiting—it’s about sticking it out. We push through storms, savoring the process and keeping our eyes on the long game.

These values are how we keep it real, build trust, and make theatre magic happen.

How We Innovate

Though artist and audience safety is one of our biggest goals, NWaC isn’t interested in theatre that plays it safe. We’re here to make work that’s bold, intimate, and packed with purpose. Whether it’s new storytelling formats or tackling hard conversations, we focus on sparking something real—both on stage and off. Every production is an invitation to connect, to reflect, and to rethink what theatre can do.

This is what NWaC is about: breaking molds, creating impactful work, and making sure every voice has its chance to be heard. Let’s keep building a theatre world that’s as raw and diverse as the world we live in.