Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access

Land Acknowledgement

Pinecones and Portals Hiking Theater Company recognizes that our headquarters is in the territory of xučyun (Huichin), the ancestral and unceded land of the Chochenyo speaking Ohlone people, the successors of the sovereign Verona Band of Alameda County. 

As a company that collaborates directly with outdoor spaces in the east bay, we are grateful for the continued stewardship by the Ohlone people of this land.

As guests on this land, we contribute a Shuumi Land Tax annually. More information about Sogorea Te Land Trust and Shuumi: https://sogoreate-landtrust.org/institutional-shuumi/

At Pinecones and Portals Hiking Theater Co, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible environment where the beauty of the outdoors and the performing arts can be enjoyed by all families and their kids. Our mission is to inspire a sense of belonging in our audience and within our company; to this end, we must ensure an environment that is welcoming and accessible to all. We recognize that achieving true diversity, equity, and inclusion is an ongoing journey, and we remain dedicated to these principles as we evolve and grow. 

In order to create a vibrant, artistically engaged community that connects deeply with nature and the performing arts, we are committed to:

  • Keeping our ticket prices low, including programs where we share our work for free, by raising most of our funds through foundations, donations and corporate partnerships. 

  • Choosing a variety of outdoor locations for our shows to accommodate the varying needs of our audience. In particular, making sure each show has a run in a location that is wheelchair and mobility aid friendly and close to public transport. 

  • Staying up to date on accessibility measures for our disabled audience members including our Deaf/HOH, Blind/Low Vision, and Neurodivergent audiences. 

  • Telling stories that reflect and represent the wide range of perspectives, cultures, and voices in our audience. We acknowledge that this diversity is a source of strength and innovation. 

  • Cultivating diversity at every level so that we can tell a range of cultural stories authentically and so that our audience sees themselves represented in our work.

  • Listening to the needs and concerns of our community and our staff and making continuous improvements to better serve our diverse audience.

  • Paying our artists and staff a living Bay Area wage so that artists can continue to thrive and help shape Bay Area culture.

  • Creating a safe and respectful space where individuals can express themselves without fear of discrimination or harassment.

  • Creating protocols for accountability so our workers feel empowered to come forward without fear of retaliation or silence.

  • Collaborating with local organizations and artists to expand our reach and enrich the cultural tapestry of the Bay Area.