Visalia Players has been a leader of harboring  and propelling systematic racism and oppression of its actors. 

Below is their most recent  incident. 

I wish I didn’t have to write this, but I feel I must after what has transpired the last few days. I was subjected to Racial Profiling and Racial Discrimination this past Friday with the Visalia Ice House Theatre. When I saw they needed men for the show and needed some roles filled, I thought I’d audition. I mean, I did do “Grey Gardens” back in 2019 with them and had an amazing time. I had thought of retiring at one point, but I know I just need to take breaks. Anyway…After all this, I don’t even know if I want to do Theatre ever again.

I submitted a video audition, stating I may be interested in one of the male roles. Then I was asked by the Director for “Legally Blonde” to come in person this past Friday to do another audition. The director informed me after getting there that she knew I was interested in one of the particular roles, but that it was cast by someone who had been with the cast since the beginning. To me that was fine, but I told her that’s what I initially was interested in the email and what was promoted on the website and social media. So I am like, okay I am willing to do what is needed then. I don’t mind. Anyone who has ever worked with me says I am adaptable and open to do anything. I am not a role queen. Then the director got on the topic of casting of another male role, which she said they found someone else. Again, another role that was promoted to be cast.

After looking at me, the director then proceeded to say, “You can’t have Ethnic people playing these roles.” I paused. I didn’t know how to react. I couldn’t believe what I had just heard. She said it like it was nothing. There were others in the room, but nothing was said. Internally, I was mortified, embarrassed, left feeling degraded. After all this, I went on with yet another vocal audition. I felt uncomfortable and didn’t want to be there. I just wanted to get out of there. The director was possibly feeling that me being Ethnic (I am Hispanic, and have dark brown skin) would be better suited for small roles. I just wanted to get out of there after hearing this, but I stayed because I am not one to be rude or say anything. After all, I did play two Caucasian roles back in 2019 at the same place. What happened from then until now?!

I emailed the director that same night saying I didn’t want to be a part of the show anymore. In fact, I don’t even want to return to theatre again after this year is up. I didn’t want to make a big deal out of this, in fact I wasn’t going to say anything. But I had multiple people from the theatre, (4) stating I needed to talk to the president of the board. Me and her spoke. Her response was the director is “older and from the south”, but this doesn’t make it okay she stated. She stated she would follow up but I don’t even know if anything will be done.

This year officially marks me having done theatre for 20 years. And I have had so many wonderful experiences. I have worked with multiple theatre companies across the Central Valley for many years. But, never have I ever been through blatant racial discrimination during any production or class in the arts in my entire career. To not even be given a chance due to the color of my skin is unacceptable and unethical.

I submitted a letter to be read by the Board of Directors. I don’t know if anything will be done, but I hope the message of acceptance, diversity, inclusion is related, and casting decisions are not based on color, but rather talent and to what the actor can bring to the character. As of right now, I am left feeling shaken up & deeply hurt to the point of emotional distress. To be made to feel like I am less than in the world of theatre is something I never thought I’d feel. As someone who’s openly Gay, I’ve had to deal with the discrimination ever since I was a child and still do till this day. Even as a kid or teen, I would get called Pedro or ethnic names or get made fun of for how dark I was. Even now, I get followed around at specific stores. I thought we’d be past this, but I see there’s still work to do. Theatre should be a safe space for all, no matter color of skin, age, size, or gender. We should all be applauded for our differences that make us so unique. Not just for me, but for future generations as well. I leave you all with this.

“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word,”

-Martin Luther King Jr.