
A Community Center for
Theatre & Storytelling

Creating a Home
Growing up, I participated in community theatre with those who became my friends. Their parents ran the tickets. A neighbor brought his brother who was a carpenter. Siblings painted sets. Families would bring food to sustain us through the long hours. And all throughout, people were talking, sharing and getting to know one another. People from the area would come to shows and hang out afterward to chat and celebrate.
Wherever I went, that same spirit was found: people seeking growth, connection, and a purpose with theatre being the foundation. A found family. Together, we seek to make paramount, impactful, inspiring performances which in the end, is a revelation of the people… people in artistic community with one another.
Mission StageWorks aspires to be just that: an artistic Third Place for the Bay Area, making a positive difference on the people around us through performing and sharing stories - using our power by using our voice.
- Rob Lewis, Founder
A neighborhood community center in the heart of the city
The Dream
A theatrically-focused community known for its artistic excellence, high-quality education, inclusivity, and local engagement.
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Mission StageWorks is a place to study theatrical arts and storytelling through a diverse offering of courses. We may offer classes in acting, directing, devised theatre, adaptation, theatre for social change, script analysis. We plan to incorporate new possibilities such as Devised Memory: a Collaborative Creation of Lived Histories, Press: a journalism in theatre performance course, Directing for Wonder, and Storytelling for Social Good. By bringing on new teaching artists and their specialty into the classroom, it diversifies voices, perspectives and course offerings.
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Course culminations, demonstrations of works in process, small-scale performances, storytelling evenings, and artists from the community exhibiting their work is just the start. We will host guest speakers, community leaders, and more to enhance the community experience.
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Partnerships bring new opportunies to extend a positive reach. With local nonprofits, educational institutions, and leadership groups, we have the capacity to raise awareness, give directly back, and even co-create work for a greater good.
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Creative Laboratory
Sometimes artists and creators need a place to develop material. We plan to have a creative laboratory for exploration and iteration.
Mentorship Program
The mentorship program connects emerging artists with seasoned professionals to foster growth, confidence, and creative discovery - as an artist or for those interested in learning how to become a teacher. Through one-on-one guidance, collaborative projects, and hands-on learning, mentees gain invaluable insights into the craft, industry, and their unique artistic voice.
Space for Exhibition
Having a space to present developing work is key for the life of a piece and the growth of an artist. Mission StageWorks would like to make space and time available for local artists to share their work to build next steps.
Teacher Training
Artists pursuing teaching can receive instructional coaching and development plans to build skills and experience to make the transition more possible.
Access to Publicity & Resources
Artists need to have access to tools and resources to make works come to life and for them to be visible to the public. Mission StageWorks hopes to support artists reach their goals by providing access and resources for their success.
Use your creative voice
Social Impact
Mission StageWorks
provides a place
to find and hone your voice
and use it for social good.
ART IS
WORDS ARE
ACTION IS
GIVING IS
EVERYTHING WE DO HAS
IMPACT
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