Gratuity

Your support makes this possible.

More than a play, Gratuity is a reflection of Detroit’s resilience and a call to action. Created by actor and playwright Sean Rodriguez Sharpe, this immersive work draws from his lived experience in the service industry. Inspired by a moment he’ll never forget—a bar manager saying, “If this was slavery, just know I’d be one of the good ones”—Gratuity explores the parallels between labor, race, and systemic oppression.

Through grassroots collaboration with service workers, Sharpe amplifies voices often overlooked. Their stories of bias, exploitation, and resilience became the foundation of this powerful exploration. Gratuity immerses audiences in the lives of those who serve them, challenging privilege, fostering empathy, and sparking deeper understanding.

The impact goes beyond the stage. Using studies that reveal how inequities in the service industry disproportionately harm women and people of color, Gratuity connects personal narratives to systemic injustice. Act 3, inspired by Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed, invites audiences to engage directly with the characters, creating a space for collaborative dialogue and problem-solving.

At its heart, Gratuity is a tool for empowerment, giving voice to the often-ignored experiences of service workers while celebrating resilience and the possibility of change. Patrons leave not just with awareness but with actionable insights to address inequities in their own communities.

Rooted in Detroit’s culture of perseverance and creativity, Gratuity embodies the belief that art can inspire change and bring people together. Your donation ensures we can continue this vital work—elevating marginalized voices, fostering connection, and inspiring hope for a more equitable future.