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. And a neighbor brought his brother who was a carpenter. Siblings would paint sets. People would bring food to sustain us through the long hours. And in between the rehearsing and the performances, people were talking and sharing and getting to know one another. People around the block would come to shows and hang out afterward to chat and celebrate.

As I traveled, joined different companies, the constant remained: people looking for a place to be seen, to find their people, to improve themselves and do something meaningful as a found family. Together, hope engenders determination to make paramount, impactful, artistic work 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.

- Rob Lewis, Founder

*Thank you B.Z. for this encapsulation

A neighborhood community center in the heart of the city

The Dream

A community center known for its artistic excellence, high-quality education, inclusivity, and community engagement.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

    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.

The Angle

Mission StageWorks
provides a place
to find and hone your voice
and use for social good.

ART IS
WORDS ARE
ACTION IS
GIVING IS

IMPACT

Proud member of