Advocacy Toolkit
Find information about local legislation that impacts the Columbus theatre community and what you can do to help.
Local Arts Legislation
Local legislation can strongly impact how our city/region is able to do theatre. It is vital that we maintain an ecosystem that avoids censorship and uplifts community members with marginalized identities. See below for updates on local legislation that impacts our community and how you can make a difference.
NO on House Bill 249
House Bill (HB) 249 or the "Indecent Exposure Modernization Act" is currently on the docket in the Ohio State Senate. At face value, this bill seeks to criminalize drag performances outside of the context of "adult cabaret," meaning venues that are only accessible to patrons 18 and older. However, the intentionally vague language of the bill defines these performances as anyone performing as any gender identity other than their biological sex at birth. This bill could effectively prohibit trans people from performing on Ohio stages in any context other than "adult cabaret."
Drag and trans performers are vital members of the Columbus theatre community, and it is all of our responsibility to ensure we can continue sharing our stages.
In addition to its effect on drag and trans performers, this bill also includes updated public "indecency" standards that could impact costuming, staged intimacy, and more. Again, the notably vague language in this bill offers ample opportunity for censorship.
We do not have a date for a Senate vote, but you can make your opposition known to your state senator now. This bill has passed the Ohio House of Representatives, but there is still hope in the Ohio Senate.
House Bill (HB) 563 or the "Regulate ticket sales" bill seeks to regulate ticket resale in Ohio. The bill will introduce new consumer protections to limit fraudulent activities from resellers in an attempt to protect consumers and producers alike. These protections include increased visibility on ticket resale pricing and terms of use for consumers.
This bill recently passed the Ohio House of Representatives. We do not yet have a date for the Senate vote, but you can make your support known to your senator now.
YES on House Bill 563
How to Help
Locate your Legislators
Visit this website to find your state senator.
Visit this website to find your state representative.
Enter your address and click "Submit." The map will show you your senator.
Click on your senator or representative's name. This will take you to their web page. Click on Contact to find their contact information.
Contact Your State Senator
Phone calls yield stronger results as they are logged by staffers in real time. If you are able to, you should call your legislator. If you are unable to call them, you can utilize the web form on their contact page. You may also use it to supplement your phone call.
If you are unsure of what to say, you can begin your call with the following script, though a custom message with your lived experience can go a long way.
"Hello, my name is [name] and I am a constituent from District [District]. I am calling to urge [Legislator Name] to vote [Yes or No] on [Bill]."
You may be asked for additional information, such as your address, to confirm your constituency.
This resource was compiled by Columbus Theatre News with concern for the theatre community and its most vulnerable members in mind. Our views may not reflect those of the theatre companies featured in the Welcome Guide or the newsletter. If there are other issues you think it is important we spotlight or additional information you think it would be helpful we share, please use the Contact form to tell us about them.
Local Arts Funding and Resources
Theatre organizations in Columbus are funded through a variety of streams, including government funding. The below organizations not only fund local theatre, but offer valuable resources to artists and the arts. In addition to communicating their necessity to local legislators, you can also show support by utilizing their resources.
The Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC)'s mission is to champion and elevate the arts and cultural expression of Greater Columbus.
They offer a variety of resources to local organizations and artists including:
-
Grant opportunities for artists and organizations, plus support for filling out grant applications
-
A calendar for local arts events
-
Advocacy tools
-
Workshops and educational events for artists and organizations
To stay up to date on GCAC initiatives, you can subscribe to their newsletter.
The Ohio Arts Council (OAC) is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically.
They offer a variety of resources to local organizations and artists including:
-
Grant opportunities for artists and organizations
-
Annual Arts Impact Ohio Conference
-
Arts Education Data Dashboard (including theatre education specific filter)
To stay up to date on OAC initiatives, you can subscribe to their ArtsOhio monthly newsletter.
Art Possible Ohio works together with artists of all ages who have disabilities to advocate for accessibility and inclusivity, advance careers in the creative sector, build community, and improve the academic achievement of Ohio’s students through arts integration. By bridging arts and disability, their programs and services promote inclusive spaces and accessible opportunities for Ohioans.
They offer a variety of resources to local organizations and artists including:
-
Professional development workshops
-
Accessibility resources
-
Grant funding specific to artists with disabilities and organizations who serve artists with disabilities
To stay up to date on Arts Possible Ohio initiatives, you can subscribe to their E-Voices Newsletter at the bottom of this page.
Creative Ohio champions Ohio’s creative sector through advocacy, connectivity, and coalition-building to spark transformative public policy and investment in arts and culture statewide.
They offer a variety of resources to local organizations and artists including:
-
An advocacy toolkit, including data, research, and other resources
-
The ArtsVote Ohio initiative, using the arts to galvanize voters
To stay up to date on Creative Ohio initiatives, you can subscribe to their newsletter at the bottom of their web pages.
Are we missing a vital resource for the Central Ohio theatre community? Please use our Contact form to tell us about it!