TheatreWorks (Silicon Valley)
 TheatreWorks Silicon Valley logo | |
| Location | Palo Alto, California, United States |
|---|---|
| Type | Regional Theatre Company |
| Capacity |
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| Opened | July 1970 |
| Artistic Director | Giovanna Sardelli |
| Website | www.theatreworks.org |
TheatreWorks Silicon Valley is a professional non-profit theatre company based in Palo Alto, California, United States. Founded in 1970 by Robert Kelley.
History
[edit]1970s
[edit]Robert Kelley, a Bay Area native and Stanford University graduate in creative writing, founded TheatreWorks in July 1970.[1] The company's inaugural production was Popcorn, an original musical reflecting the social changes of the era, which premiered in July 1970.[2]
1980s and 1990s
[edit]In the 1980s, TheatreWorks continued to emphasize diversity and innovation under the leadership of Associate Artistic Director Anthony J. Haney. The company premiered productions such as The Fireworks Rag (1981), featuring a predominantly African-American cast.[3]
2000s
[edit]In 2002, TheatreWorks developed the musical Memphis at its New Works Festival. TheatreWorks then produced the world premiere of Memphis on its main stage in 2004.[4][5] Memphis later opened on Broadway in 2009 and won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical.[6]
2010s and 2020s
[edit]Founding Artistic Director Robert Kelley retired in June 2020 after 50 years with the company.[7]
In 2019, TheatreWorks received the Regional Theatre Tony Award.[8]
Facing financial challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, TheatreWorks launched an emergency fundraising campaign in August 2023 to raise $3 million to continue its 53rd season.[9] By November 2023, the company announced that it had surpassed its fundraising goal, raising over $4 million.[10]
References
[edit]- ^ Young, Steve (1989). TheatreWorks: 20 Years of Magic. TheatreWorks. pp. 3–5.
- ^ Young, Steve (1989). TheatreWorks: 20 Years of Magic. TheatreWorks. pp. 6–7.
- ^ Young, Steve (1989). TheatreWorks: 20 Years of Magic. TheatreWorks. pp. 45–47.
- ^ Connema, Richard. "Regional Reviews: San Francisco". Talkin' Broadway. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
- ^ PIane, Charlie (14 June 2010). "Theatreworks Celebrates MEMPHIS' Tony Wins". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
- ^ "'Red' and 'Memphis' Win Top Tony Awards". The New York Times. 13 June 2010. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
- ^ Shea, Christopher D. (11 May 2017). "Robert Kelley to Retire After 50 Years at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley". The New York Times. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
- ^ Libbey, Peter (9 June 2019). "2019 Tony Award Winners: Full List". The New York Times. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
- ^ Wild, Stephi (10 August 2023). "TheatreWorks Silicon Valley Launches Critical Fundraising Campaign to Raise $3M". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved 29 September 2023.
- ^ Janiak, Lily (30 November 2023). "TheatreWorks' emergency fundraising campaign succeeds — by this much". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 29 September 2023.