2012/2013 Season

Biloxi Blues

Neil Simon

May 4-27, 2012
Sylvia

by A. R. Gurney

June 28-July 15, 2012
The Colored Museum

George C. Wolfe

October 2012
Holiday Cabaret

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November 2012
MOMologues 2 - Off to School

Lisa Rafferty

January 31-February 17, 2013
Circle Mirror Transformation

Annie Baker

March 2013
Of Mice and Men

John Steinbeck

May 2013
How The Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents

Karen Zacarias based on the acclaimed novel by Julia Alvarez

June 20-July 7, 2013

SEASON FLEX PASS
6 Punch - $130 !

Stageworks Theatre Opening Speech

8/11/2011

AB SPEECH: OPENING OF GRAND CENTRAL THEATRE SPACE:

Thank you for this opportunity and for being such incredible supporters and nurturers of Stageworks. This is a rare Opportunity to Speak to such a large gathering of theater enthusiasts, or "theater mavens", as I am 'wont' to call them

I've always viewed Stageworks as an outsider. Stageworks plays are most frequently about dangerous things. Stageworks artistic journey has been and is to give voice to those marginalized by circumstance. We have created a theatre that explores the cultural tension inherent in living in a multi-cultural society that is still struggling with painful legacies of racism, sexism, homophobia and anti-Semitism. From
o The Normal Heart to (Being produced again on Bdwy) to Angels in America, Part I, & As Bees in Honey Drown;
o from Kindertransport to The God of Isaac,
o from MASTER HAROLD and the Boys, to A Lesson Before Dying;
o from The Heidi Chronicles to The Sisters Rosensweig.

Perhaps Stageworks best kept secret, until recently is our glorious RAINBOW TRIBE. The Rainbow Tribe exists to educate our youth, especially those at risk, in the prisons, low performing public schools, charter schools, fostercare agencies. There is a tribe of deeply dedicated teaching artists, Alvon & Dawn, Karla and Josh, Rosemary and Amy, who have for years dedicated themselves to teaching our at-risk youth. Stageworks will now literally be a safe haven - a home - where these youths can gather and enjoy learning the art of theatre.
So, why Theatre, you might ask? Why is it necessary?
Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Lynn Nottage, an African American answers us:
"Theatre is ultimately a conversation between an audience and the artists. It is that very dialogue that makes this medium unique."
Good theatre allows a shift in perspective, a new understanding.
Why theatre? It's the vanguard of change. In many counties citizens put their lives on the line to tell stories that challenge the culture to think more expansively, more fairly....."
So forgive my hubris. I do feel that what Stageworks does is important and necessary particularly during times like these.
It is my hope that the work that Stageworks produces reflects the diversity of this country. Of this planet.
It is my hope that we move out of our comfort zones and into other unexpected places.
It is my hope that we will not allow primarily financial considerations and political pressures dictate what appears on a Stageworks stage.
It is my hope and vision that Stageworks creates and produces adventurous, poetic, political, dirty, quirky, and dangerous work with LOVE! VALOUR! COMPASSION! as Terrence McNally, one of our great 20th century playwrights, says.
SW new home IS

The bridge from the Straz to Ybor City's vibrant arts scene

A gathering place for Channel District residents who cherish our area and what SW produces

A home for diverse at risk youth to learn and 'do' theater

A sanctuary for artists to congregate, create & perform

An addition which will create a World Class Theatre Community in Tampa Bay
Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts and vision for Stageworks with you on this auspicious occasion.
Anna Brennen
Founder/Producing Artistic Director