Check out these theaters/festivals outside of New York City who, like Works by Women,
support the work of women* in theatre.
support the work of women* in theatre.
ARIZONA
Arizona Women's Theatre Company
The Arizona Women's Theatre Company produces contemporary, provocative, thought provoking plays written by women. We provide an innovative forum for women's voices. We are the only theatre in Arizona to focus on women playwrights and directors. Founded in 2003 as a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation, we produce work that reveals women’s lives and documents women’s experiences.
The Arizona Women's Theatre Company produces contemporary, provocative, thought provoking plays written by women. We provide an innovative forum for women's voices. We are the only theatre in Arizona to focus on women playwrights and directors. Founded in 2003 as a non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation, we produce work that reveals women’s lives and documents women’s experiences.
CALIFORNIA
BRAVA! for Women in the Arts
Brava! For Women in the Arts celebrates its 26th year as a professional arts organization dedicated to cultivating the artistic expression of women, youth, LGBT, people of color and other unheard voices through the ownership and operation of Brava Theater Center.
Brava! For Women in the Arts celebrates its 26th year as a professional arts organization dedicated to cultivating the artistic expression of women, youth, LGBT, people of color and other unheard voices through the ownership and operation of Brava Theater Center.
Greenlight Productions
As you may know, the percentage of plays being produced each year in the US that are written by women is not at all representative of the number of women writing plays or the number of women seeing plays or the substance of the stories that women have to tell. Green Light is working to change this by giving women a place to be creative, to explore their craft, to meet and work with like-minded artists- and to be produced.
As you may know, the percentage of plays being produced each year in the US that are written by women is not at all representative of the number of women writing plays or the number of women seeing plays or the substance of the stories that women have to tell. Green Light is working to change this by giving women a place to be creative, to explore their craft, to meet and work with like-minded artists- and to be produced.
Jewish Women's Theatre
JWT gives voice to Jewish women in America today by developing original works, by ensuring these works are performed and seen, and by creating a lasting legacy for future generations.
JWT gives voice to Jewish women in America today by developing original works, by ensuring these works are performed and seen, and by creating a lasting legacy for future generations.
The Los Angeles Women's Shakespeare Company
The Los Angeles Women's Shakespeare Company (LAWSC) is a nonprofit organization which produces professional productions of Shakespeare's plays with an all-female ensemble. We provide opportunities for collaboration between multiracial, highly accomplished artists who are actors, producers, directors, choreographers, designers and educators. LAWSC contributes to a transformation of the perceptions of women's roles in our society by working to create a deeper, more powerful, unbounded view of women's potential. Our productions illuminate contemporary issues through a classical context, offering a unique political and social perspective. Our ongoing mission is to provide a creative forum for the exploration of violence, victimization, power, love, race, and gender issues, and to provide positive role models for women and girls.
The Los Angeles Women's Shakespeare Company (LAWSC) is a nonprofit organization which produces professional productions of Shakespeare's plays with an all-female ensemble. We provide opportunities for collaboration between multiracial, highly accomplished artists who are actors, producers, directors, choreographers, designers and educators. LAWSC contributes to a transformation of the perceptions of women's roles in our society by working to create a deeper, more powerful, unbounded view of women's potential. Our productions illuminate contemporary issues through a classical context, offering a unique political and social perspective. Our ongoing mission is to provide a creative forum for the exploration of violence, victimization, power, love, race, and gender issues, and to provide positive role models for women and girls.
Los Angeles Women's Theatre Festival
The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival (LAWTF) empowers women artists to engage and inspire communities through the production of multidisciplinary solo performers and educational outreach.
The Annual Festival honors the achievement of extraordinary women in theatre.
The Los Angeles Women’s Theatre Festival (LAWTF) empowers women artists to engage and inspire communities through the production of multidisciplinary solo performers and educational outreach.
The Annual Festival honors the achievement of extraordinary women in theatre.
MACHA Theatre Company
MACHA Theatre Co. Mujeres(Women) Advancing, Culture, History & Art is a non-profit organization under the 501c3, that was formed in 2000 in order to build social, cultural, and artistic bridges between the straight an gay communities of various ethnicities and provide the LGBTI community a sense of belonging.
MACHA Theatre Co. Mujeres(Women) Advancing, Culture, History & Art is a non-profit organization under the 501c3, that was formed in 2000 in order to build social, cultural, and artistic bridges between the straight an gay communities of various ethnicities and provide the LGBTI community a sense of belonging.
The Medea Project
The Medea Project is a production of Cultural Odyssey, which continues to develop original productions that demonstrate their vision of "ARTS AS SOCIAL ACTIVISM". In 1989, on the basis of material developed while conducting classes at the San Francisco County Jail, Rhodessa Jones created "Big Butt Girls, Hard Headed Women", a performance piece based on the lives of the incarcerated women she encountered. During the work's creation, Jones and jail officials were made aware of issues that were specific to female inmates, such as guilt, depression, and self-loathing, which arose in response to feelings of failure in the face of community. These issues directly contribute to recidivism among female offenders. Based on this observation, Jones founded THE MEDEA PROJECT: THEATER FOR INCARCERATED WOMEN to explore whether an arts-based approach could help reduce the numbers of women returning to jail.
The Medea Project is a production of Cultural Odyssey, which continues to develop original productions that demonstrate their vision of "ARTS AS SOCIAL ACTIVISM". In 1989, on the basis of material developed while conducting classes at the San Francisco County Jail, Rhodessa Jones created "Big Butt Girls, Hard Headed Women", a performance piece based on the lives of the incarcerated women she encountered. During the work's creation, Jones and jail officials were made aware of issues that were specific to female inmates, such as guilt, depression, and self-loathing, which arose in response to feelings of failure in the face of community. These issues directly contribute to recidivism among female offenders. Based on this observation, Jones founded THE MEDEA PROJECT: THEATER FOR INCARCERATED WOMEN to explore whether an arts-based approach could help reduce the numbers of women returning to jail.
COLORADO
And Toto Too Theatre Company
And Toto too Theatre Company promotes women in the arts, with a focus on producing new works by women playwrights. Our goal is to become an incubator for these works, spearheading their production at venues nationally and internationally.
And Toto too Theatre Company promotes women in the arts, with a focus on producing new works by women playwrights. Our goal is to become an incubator for these works, spearheading their production at venues nationally and internationally.
Athena Project
Athena Project is a professional group of artists dedicated to supporting and expanding women's artistic contributions to the Denver stage and the wider community.
Vision: Athena Project envisions a world in which women's voices are powerfully expressed and fully integrated into the creative life of every community.
Mission: Athena Project's mission is to empower women and strengthen the Denver community through developing and showcasing women's and girls' artistic contributions, while inviting new audiences into the creative process.
Each year, Athena Project produces an Arts Festival, that includes a World Premiere play, and our Plays In Progress Series and Girls' Write, a year-long playwriting and play development experience for girls.
Athena Project is a professional group of artists dedicated to supporting and expanding women's artistic contributions to the Denver stage and the wider community.
Vision: Athena Project envisions a world in which women's voices are powerfully expressed and fully integrated into the creative life of every community.
Mission: Athena Project's mission is to empower women and strengthen the Denver community through developing and showcasing women's and girls' artistic contributions, while inviting new audiences into the creative process.
Each year, Athena Project produces an Arts Festival, that includes a World Premiere play, and our Plays In Progress Series and Girls' Write, a year-long playwriting and play development experience for girls.
FLORIDA
Thinking Cap Theatre
AN EXPLODING GRENADE?
Yes, because we at Thinking Cap Theatre strive to create theatre that explodes with thought! Founded in 2010, Thinking Cap Theatre (TCT) is a 501c3 not-for-profit, professional theatre company that holds residence at The Vanguard in Fort Lauderdale. TCT is devoted to presenting experimental, provocative, and socially-conscious plays. TCT is also committed to presenting works that depict a range of identities more reflective of today's society; to dismantling norms and stereotypes through non-reactionary, honest means; and to freshly presenting both well-known and rarely-staged classical plays. Thinking Cap Theatre is driven to becoming one of the leading theatre companies in the South Florida region and a recognized creative home for new and emerging playwrights locally, nationally, and internationally.
Thinking Cap Theatre is committed to
AN EXPLODING GRENADE?
Yes, because we at Thinking Cap Theatre strive to create theatre that explodes with thought! Founded in 2010, Thinking Cap Theatre (TCT) is a 501c3 not-for-profit, professional theatre company that holds residence at The Vanguard in Fort Lauderdale. TCT is devoted to presenting experimental, provocative, and socially-conscious plays. TCT is also committed to presenting works that depict a range of identities more reflective of today's society; to dismantling norms and stereotypes through non-reactionary, honest means; and to freshly presenting both well-known and rarely-staged classical plays. Thinking Cap Theatre is driven to becoming one of the leading theatre companies in the South Florida region and a recognized creative home for new and emerging playwrights locally, nationally, and internationally.
Thinking Cap Theatre is committed to
- Bridging the gap between artistic experimentation and audience accessibility.
- Creating a meaningful context for conversation between and among artists and audience members.
- Promoting and presenting experimental and thought-provoking theatre.
- Staging bold and innovative interpretations of classical plays.
- Helping achieve the mission of the "50/50 in 2020 Project" (co-sponsored by the League of Professional Theatre Women, Women's Project, and New Perspectives Theatre by equally programming works by women and men and by employing women directors and designers year-round.
- Employing and fairly compensating professional artistic and management staff.
- Serving as an educational resource for professional and non-professional artists and youth.
- Developing community-based arts projects that reflect the diversity of South Florida.
- Building relationships with other organizations in the community through creative partnerships.
Women's Theatre Project
The Women's Theatre Project continues to be one of the only professional theatre companies in the country dedicated to producing theatrical work about women. Our productions are compelling because our choices break with stereotypical portrayals of women seen in the media, on television and in movies. In 2013, The Women's Theatre Project will present two main stage theatrical productions and staged readings throughout our season. TWTP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. All proceeds go directly to The Women's Theatre Project.
The Women's Theatre Project continues to be one of the only professional theatre companies in the country dedicated to producing theatrical work about women. Our productions are compelling because our choices break with stereotypical portrayals of women seen in the media, on television and in movies. In 2013, The Women's Theatre Project will present two main stage theatrical productions and staged readings throughout our season. TWTP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. All proceeds go directly to The Women's Theatre Project.
HAWAII
Women in Theatre
Women in Theatre (also known as “WIT”) is dedicated to creating quality theatrical experiences for the Kauai community that provoke, inspire and share the joy of live theatre with audiences and performers alike. Our cornerstone is an open, respectful creative environment that encourages growth for all participants involved while maintaining a high degree of business and artistic integrity. While our productions invite all community members to participate, WIT places a special emphasis on creating positive role models and artistic opportunities for women – not only as actors, but also as directors, playwrights, designers, and producers.
Women in Theatre (also known as “WIT”) is dedicated to creating quality theatrical experiences for the Kauai community that provoke, inspire and share the joy of live theatre with audiences and performers alike. Our cornerstone is an open, respectful creative environment that encourages growth for all participants involved while maintaining a high degree of business and artistic integrity. While our productions invite all community members to participate, WIT places a special emphasis on creating positive role models and artistic opportunities for women – not only as actors, but also as directors, playwrights, designers, and producers.
IOWA
The Rising Phoenix Theatre Company
The Rising Phoenix Theatre Company was founded in 2011 by Lyra Halsten and Amanda Julson of Des Moines, Iowa. The pair met in 2009 and quickly developed a close bond over their shared love of theatre and their concern over the under-representation of women in theaters across America and especially in Central Iowa. Lyra and Amanda formed The RPTC in hopes of providing extraordinary opportunities for female theatre artists to spread their wings and rise like a phoenix from the ashes! We are a Female-Focused theatre company, not at all excluding our male counter parts, but instead focusing on women's stories written by women.
Our mission is to provide developmental and educational opportunities to women of all ages, shapes, sizes, races, physical abilities, backgrounds and economic statuses to enhance their knowledge of theatre and expression of their talents. Our goal is to create an empowering, healthy and nurturing environment where artists are challenged and encouraged. The RPTC also seeks to provide opportunities for theatre artists to produce a variety of high quality works from the classical to the contemporary, with a special focus on plays by female playwrights.
The Rising Phoenix Theatre Company was founded in 2011 by Lyra Halsten and Amanda Julson of Des Moines, Iowa. The pair met in 2009 and quickly developed a close bond over their shared love of theatre and their concern over the under-representation of women in theaters across America and especially in Central Iowa. Lyra and Amanda formed The RPTC in hopes of providing extraordinary opportunities for female theatre artists to spread their wings and rise like a phoenix from the ashes! We are a Female-Focused theatre company, not at all excluding our male counter parts, but instead focusing on women's stories written by women.
Our mission is to provide developmental and educational opportunities to women of all ages, shapes, sizes, races, physical abilities, backgrounds and economic statuses to enhance their knowledge of theatre and expression of their talents. Our goal is to create an empowering, healthy and nurturing environment where artists are challenged and encouraged. The RPTC also seeks to provide opportunities for theatre artists to produce a variety of high quality works from the classical to the contemporary, with a special focus on plays by female playwrights.
ILLINOIS
20% Theatre Company Chicago
20% Theatre Company Chicago is dedicated to strengthening the presence and raising public awareness of women artists in theatre. It is estimated that only 20% of theatre professionals are women. By building a community of theatre professionals and fostering emerging female artists through workshops and new plays, we provide opportunities for women directors, producers, designers, and playwrights. 20% Theatre Company Chicago strives to increase the number of women in theatre.
20% Theatre Company Chicago is dedicated to strengthening the presence and raising public awareness of women artists in theatre. It is estimated that only 20% of theatre professionals are women. By building a community of theatre professionals and fostering emerging female artists through workshops and new plays, we provide opportunities for women directors, producers, designers, and playwrights. 20% Theatre Company Chicago strives to increase the number of women in theatre.
Artemisia a Chicago Theatre
Artemisia a Chicago Theatre’s mission is to produce female centered entertainment that challenges the perception of women. At Artemisia, female centered means that the play’s leading character is a woman and it is through her experience that the story unfolds, and through her reversals, changes and discoveries that the play reaches its catharsis. Challenging the audience reflects Artemisia’s belief that great theatre is both entertaining and thought-provoking and dares the audience to think beyond what they consider typical and appropriate feminine behavior. The audience’s and community’s altered perception of women is at the core of Artemisia’s mission and this is reflected directly in Artemisia’s play selection and production processes.
Artemisia a Chicago Theatre’s mission is to produce female centered entertainment that challenges the perception of women. At Artemisia, female centered means that the play’s leading character is a woman and it is through her experience that the story unfolds, and through her reversals, changes and discoveries that the play reaches its catharsis. Challenging the audience reflects Artemisia’s belief that great theatre is both entertaining and thought-provoking and dares the audience to think beyond what they consider typical and appropriate feminine behavior. The audience’s and community’s altered perception of women is at the core of Artemisia’s mission and this is reflected directly in Artemisia’s play selection and production processes.
Babes With Blades
Artists involved in a BWBTC show place women and their stories center stage. They have the opportunity to create and inhabit strong, three-dimensional female characters and explore the role aggression plays in these characters’ lives. They work with a broader emotional range, making richer, more daring choices. They step outside the traditional patterns of feminine behavior, and create new ones.
Audiences at a BWBTC show see strong women, both historical and fictional, and come to grips with what motivates these women to fight. They see women with a full range of emotional responses, up to and including violence, and experience catharsis upon the release of these emotions. They leave the theatre and re-enter society having expanded their definition of women’s roles, and influence others to do likewise.
Artists involved in a BWBTC show place women and their stories center stage. They have the opportunity to create and inhabit strong, three-dimensional female characters and explore the role aggression plays in these characters’ lives. They work with a broader emotional range, making richer, more daring choices. They step outside the traditional patterns of feminine behavior, and create new ones.
Audiences at a BWBTC show see strong women, both historical and fictional, and come to grips with what motivates these women to fight. They see women with a full range of emotional responses, up to and including violence, and experience catharsis upon the release of these emotions. They leave the theatre and re-enter society having expanded their definition of women’s roles, and influence others to do likewise.
Stockyards Theatre Project
Stockyards Theatre Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is devoted to "giving volume to the voices of women." Stockyards Theatre Project serves as a collaborative, ongoing theatre project whose mission is to help support and promote women as theatre and performance artists, to explore gender roles and gender issues in the theatre arts, and to explore both traditional and experimental theatre and performance art. Stockyards Theatre Project is an enthusiastic venue for many women theatre artists. It is a sad fact that according to the theatrical literature canon, principle men's roles outnumber principle women's roles by an average of 3 to 1; fewer than 10% of working directors are women, and the majority of published playwrights are men. Stage management and set/lighting design are also traditionally male careers. Stockyards Theatre Project actively works to change these statistics.
Stockyards Theatre Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is devoted to "giving volume to the voices of women." Stockyards Theatre Project serves as a collaborative, ongoing theatre project whose mission is to help support and promote women as theatre and performance artists, to explore gender roles and gender issues in the theatre arts, and to explore both traditional and experimental theatre and performance art. Stockyards Theatre Project is an enthusiastic venue for many women theatre artists. It is a sad fact that according to the theatrical literature canon, principle men's roles outnumber principle women's roles by an average of 3 to 1; fewer than 10% of working directors are women, and the majority of published playwrights are men. Stage management and set/lighting design are also traditionally male careers. Stockyards Theatre Project actively works to change these statistics.
KENTUCKY
Eve Theatre Company
Eve Theatre Company, a non-profit performing arts organization based in Louisville, Kentucky, creates opportunites for women of all ages to give voice to and develop their talents in any and all aspects of theatre arts. Through performance and production across all genres, Eve explores the human experience from a female perspective and gives birth to a stronger, more vibrant community.
Eve Theatre Company, a non-profit performing arts organization based in Louisville, Kentucky, creates opportunites for women of all ages to give voice to and develop their talents in any and all aspects of theatre arts. Through performance and production across all genres, Eve explores the human experience from a female perspective and gives birth to a stronger, more vibrant community.
MARYLAND
ParityFest Baltimore
Cohesion Theatre Company presents ParityFest Baltimore, a city-wide readings festival aimed at increasing parity in the arts! In 2014, the Kilroys, an LA-based group committed to gender parity in the arts, released The List, a compilation of the most recommended new and under-produced plays written by female playwrights. The Kilroys plan to release their second annual List in 2015. Cohesion, working with The Kilroys, envisions a festival of readings of all of the 2015 plays (likely 45 in number) over the course of six weeks, which will be complemented by workshops on gender issues and discussions with playwrights, actors, directors, designers, and cultural leaders. Cohesion feels that Baltimore, with its well established theatrical institutions, and its thriving DIY Theatre scene is precisely the kind of groundbreaking arts city that a festival like this could thrive in. We are also excited at the prospect of Baltimore’s theatrical community coming together in this groundbreaking way. Cohesion has been reaching out to theater companies in the community, and many have signed on to participate in the festival.
Cohesion Theatre Company presents ParityFest Baltimore, a city-wide readings festival aimed at increasing parity in the arts! In 2014, the Kilroys, an LA-based group committed to gender parity in the arts, released The List, a compilation of the most recommended new and under-produced plays written by female playwrights. The Kilroys plan to release their second annual List in 2015. Cohesion, working with The Kilroys, envisions a festival of readings of all of the 2015 plays (likely 45 in number) over the course of six weeks, which will be complemented by workshops on gender issues and discussions with playwrights, actors, directors, designers, and cultural leaders. Cohesion feels that Baltimore, with its well established theatrical institutions, and its thriving DIY Theatre scene is precisely the kind of groundbreaking arts city that a festival like this could thrive in. We are also excited at the prospect of Baltimore’s theatrical community coming together in this groundbreaking way. Cohesion has been reaching out to theater companies in the community, and many have signed on to participate in the festival.
Venus Theatre
Venus Theatre is committed to setting flight to the voices of women and children. Venus Theatre accomplishes this mission by developing and producing plays by and/or about woman, developing plays and education opportunities for youth and by collaborating with other social and arts organizations on projects that give women a safe forum in which to express themselves. Venus’s work most often reflects the stories of underserved woman including, but not limited to, prisoners, immigrants, artists, historical figures and their social issues and place in history.
Venus Theatre is committed to setting flight to the voices of women and children. Venus Theatre accomplishes this mission by developing and producing plays by and/or about woman, developing plays and education opportunities for youth and by collaborating with other social and arts organizations on projects that give women a safe forum in which to express themselves. Venus’s work most often reflects the stories of underserved woman including, but not limited to, prisoners, immigrants, artists, historical figures and their social issues and place in history.
MASSACHUSETTS
The Nora Theatre Company
The Nora Theatre Company began in 1987 with a production of Edna O’Brien’s play, Virginia, about the celebrated author, Virginia Woolf, at the former Lyric Stage space on Charles Street. We are committed to producing illuminating contemporary and modern classic theater, including new scripts and area premieres, great works of the modern era, and works that speak with a feminine voice on human concerns and endeavors
The Nora Theatre Company began in 1987 with a production of Edna O’Brien’s play, Virginia, about the celebrated author, Virginia Woolf, at the former Lyric Stage space on Charles Street. We are committed to producing illuminating contemporary and modern classic theater, including new scripts and area premieres, great works of the modern era, and works that speak with a feminine voice on human concerns and endeavors
MINNESOTA
20% Theatre Company Twin Cities
20% Theatre Company Twin Cities is committed to supporting and vigorously promoting the work of female and transgender theatre artists, and celebrating the unique contribution of these artists to social justice and human rights.
20% Theatre Company Twin Cities is committed to supporting and vigorously promoting the work of female and transgender theatre artists, and celebrating the unique contribution of these artists to social justice and human rights.
Mask & Rose Women's Theater Collective
Our mission is to feature women 's stories represented through theater, visual art , music and spoken word. We seek out substantive roles for women on and off stage.
We have a second mission of offering theater opportunities of quality for youth.
Our mission is to feature women 's stories represented through theater, visual art , music and spoken word. We seek out substantive roles for women on and off stage.
We have a second mission of offering theater opportunities of quality for youth.
Theatre Unbound
Theatre Unbound delivers thought-provoking live theatre conceived and created by women, providing audiences with engaging, rarely-seen perspectives on issues that are relevant and universal.
Theatre Unbound delivers thought-provoking live theatre conceived and created by women, providing audiences with engaging, rarely-seen perspectives on issues that are relevant and universal.
NEW JERSEY
Women’s Theater Company
The Women’s Theater Company has provided a distinct voice and imprint on the state’s professional theatre community since its start in 1993. Unlike any of the other nearly 30 professional theatre companies in NJ, the Women’s Theater is dedicated to development, promotion and inclusion of women in all aspects of theatre production. The voices of these women have begun to be heard thanks to the commitment of the Women’s Theater to do just that.
The Women’s Theater Company has provided a distinct voice and imprint on the state’s professional theatre community since its start in 1993. Unlike any of the other nearly 30 professional theatre companies in NJ, the Women’s Theater is dedicated to development, promotion and inclusion of women in all aspects of theatre production. The voices of these women have begun to be heard thanks to the commitment of the Women’s Theater to do just that.
NEW YORK
Nora's Playhouse
Nora's Playhouse provides an environment for women's stories to be told through the collaboration of women theatre artists.
Nora's Playhouse is interested in telling a wide range of women's stories and has a particular commitment to shedding light on women's human rights issues. Our long-term vision includes educational theatre outreach to teenage girls.
Nora's Playhouse provides an environment for women's stories to be told through the collaboration of women theatre artists.
Nora's Playhouse is interested in telling a wide range of women's stories and has a particular commitment to shedding light on women's human rights issues. Our long-term vision includes educational theatre outreach to teenage girls.
The Neo Political Cowgirls
Neo-Political Cowgirls, founded and directed by Kate Mueth, is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit dance theater company dedicated to creating innovative dance theatre that explores the female voice. Committed to making work for and about women, NPC stages site-specific projects that are edgy and invigorating in their story telling style.
Mueth's productions are designed for audience members to feel involved as well, breaking down conventional walls that traditionally separate the audience from the actors, and inviting its viewers to expect the unexpected. Their outreach work includes choreography workshops for girls and women that allow them to create work in their own voices that deal with subject matters most important to them.
Neo-Political Cowgirls, founded and directed by Kate Mueth, is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit dance theater company dedicated to creating innovative dance theatre that explores the female voice. Committed to making work for and about women, NPC stages site-specific projects that are edgy and invigorating in their story telling style.
Mueth's productions are designed for audience members to feel involved as well, breaking down conventional walls that traditionally separate the audience from the actors, and inviting its viewers to expect the unexpected. Their outreach work includes choreography workshops for girls and women that allow them to create work in their own voices that deal with subject matters most important to them.
PENNSYLVANIA
Philadelphia Women’s Theatre Festival
PWTF is dedicated to creating opportunities for women in theater – directors, playwrights, performers, designers and administrators. We are cultivating female artists and providing a forum for growth. Through this development of female artists, we will provide the support and resources to allow both new and prospering voices to be heard in Philadelphia. Our goal is to create and sustain these voices for the sake of their unique perspectives and otherwise untold stories. PWTF is building a community of artists and a city wide celebration of the value of women’s contributions to storytelling, artistic advancement and creative innovation. We want Philadelphia to be a leader in the promotion of women artists.
PWTF is dedicated to creating opportunities for women in theater – directors, playwrights, performers, designers and administrators. We are cultivating female artists and providing a forum for growth. Through this development of female artists, we will provide the support and resources to allow both new and prospering voices to be heard in Philadelphia. Our goal is to create and sustain these voices for the sake of their unique perspectives and otherwise untold stories. PWTF is building a community of artists and a city wide celebration of the value of women’s contributions to storytelling, artistic advancement and creative innovation. We want Philadelphia to be a leader in the promotion of women artists.
TENNESSEE
Tennessee Women's Theater Project
TWTP is a professional, nonprofit theater company with a special focus on women. We seek to address the problems of gender inequity and gender discrimination through role parity for women as well as training and education in areas of professional theater that are currently male-dominated. We are committed to the highest artistic standards in professional theater. Moreover, because we believe that theater is a stakeholder in the community, we work with other organizations to improve the lives of at-risk women in Middle Tennessee. Tennessee Women's Theater Project (TWTP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information, view our profile at GivingMatters.
TWTP is a professional, nonprofit theater company with a special focus on women. We seek to address the problems of gender inequity and gender discrimination through role parity for women as well as training and education in areas of professional theater that are currently male-dominated. We are committed to the highest artistic standards in professional theater. Moreover, because we believe that theater is a stakeholder in the community, we work with other organizations to improve the lives of at-risk women in Middle Tennessee. Tennessee Women's Theater Project (TWTP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information, view our profile at GivingMatters.
TEXAS
Echo Theatre
It is the mission of Echo Theatre to produce the works of women playwrights in order to bridge the gender gap that persists in live theatre.
It is the mission of Echo Theatre to produce the works of women playwrights in order to bridge the gender gap that persists in live theatre.
The Weird Sisters
The Weird Sisters Women’s Theater Collective is a group of women in Austin, Texas dedicated to promoting women in the arts. The Collective embraces the feminist ideology of collaboration; each participant is encouraged to use her voice. The collaborative approach, in an all-female and so more risk-free setting, empowers women. The Weirds explore feminism and theater through theater productions, readings, lectures, salons, and parties throughout the year. Our process has been one of continual exploration. Come explore with us!
The Weird Sisters Women’s Theater Collective is a group of women in Austin, Texas dedicated to promoting women in the arts. The Collective embraces the feminist ideology of collaboration; each participant is encouraged to use her voice. The collaborative approach, in an all-female and so more risk-free setting, empowers women. The Weirds explore feminism and theater through theater productions, readings, lectures, salons, and parties throughout the year. Our process has been one of continual exploration. Come explore with us!
UTAH
Pygmalion Productions
Every production that PYG undertakes ties directly back to its mission: giving voice to women – playwrights, directors, performers, characters – and telling the stories that reflect women’s lives. We do this through a variety of artistic media.
Every production that PYG undertakes ties directly back to its mission: giving voice to women – playwrights, directors, performers, characters – and telling the stories that reflect women’s lives. We do this through a variety of artistic media.
WASHINGTON
Live Girls! Theatre Company
Live Girls! is a theater company dedicated to producing and developing new plays by women.
Live Girls! is a theater company dedicated to producing and developing new plays by women.
Washington Women in Theatre
WWIT promotes and nurtures original music and theatre projects from a woman's perspective, dealing with political, social and historical issues. WWIT will respond actively to the political climate in Washington, giving voice to the writers and composers especially of the D.C. area, but also to those nationally and internationally.
WWIT promotes and nurtures original music and theatre projects from a woman's perspective, dealing with political, social and historical issues. WWIT will respond actively to the political climate in Washington, giving voice to the writers and composers especially of the D.C. area, but also to those nationally and internationally.
Women Seeking... a theatre company
We are seeking... better roles... more opportunities... the right to be young, old, heavy, thin, any ethnicity while still being cast in wonderful roles. We believe women are underrepresented on the stage! With this in mind, we produce shows that: include a large number of strong female roles; Transcend Stereotypes by casting actors without regard to age, size or appearance while still serving the play; and Challenge our audiences to question preconceptions about gender in our society. Our goal is to representation of women on the stage while breaking stereotyping, in casting!
We are seeking... better roles... more opportunities... the right to be young, old, heavy, thin, any ethnicity while still being cast in wonderful roles. We believe women are underrepresented on the stage! With this in mind, we produce shows that: include a large number of strong female roles; Transcend Stereotypes by casting actors without regard to age, size or appearance while still serving the play; and Challenge our audiences to question preconceptions about gender in our society. Our goal is to representation of women on the stage while breaking stereotyping, in casting!
WISCONSIN
Renaissance Theaterworks
Renaissance Theaterworks' (RTW's) mission is to create moving theater that awakens our recognition of what it is to be human - from classics to world premieres - with attention to women's roles onstage and off. RTW is Milwaukee's only women-founded, women-run theatre company.
Renaissance Theaterworks' (RTW's) mission is to create moving theater that awakens our recognition of what it is to be human - from classics to world premieres - with attention to women's roles onstage and off. RTW is Milwaukee's only women-founded, women-run theatre company.
CANADA
Nightwood Theatre
Nightwood Theatre forges creative alliances among women artists from diverse backgrounds in order to develop and produce innovative Canadian Theatre. We produce original Canadian plays and works from the contemporary international repertoire. We advocate for women, provide a training ground for emerging talent and engage artists in play development and theatre production. We make theatre that is relevant, that awakens a new perspective, and promotes empathy and a deeper connection to our humanity.
Nightwood Theatre forges creative alliances among women artists from diverse backgrounds in order to develop and produce innovative Canadian Theatre. We produce original Canadian plays and works from the contemporary international repertoire. We advocate for women, provide a training ground for emerging talent and engage artists in play development and theatre production. We make theatre that is relevant, that awakens a new perspective, and promotes empathy and a deeper connection to our humanity.
GERMANY
She She Pop
She She Pop is a performance collective founded in the late 1990’s by graduates of the Applied Theater Studies program in Gießen. Members are Sebastian Bark, Johanna Freiburg, Fanni Halmburger, Lisa Lucassen, Mieke Matzke, Ilia Papatheodorou and Berit Stumpf.
For She She Pop, the stage is a space, in which decisions are made, various forms of dialog and social systems tested, and grand gestures and social rituals learnt or discarded. She She Pop see it as their mission to explore the social boundaries of communication – and transgress them in a purposeful and artistic way in the protected theatrical space.
She She Pop is a performance collective founded in the late 1990’s by graduates of the Applied Theater Studies program in Gießen. Members are Sebastian Bark, Johanna Freiburg, Fanni Halmburger, Lisa Lucassen, Mieke Matzke, Ilia Papatheodorou and Berit Stumpf.
For She She Pop, the stage is a space, in which decisions are made, various forms of dialog and social systems tested, and grand gestures and social rituals learnt or discarded. She She Pop see it as their mission to explore the social boundaries of communication – and transgress them in a purposeful and artistic way in the protected theatrical space.
United Kingdom
The Magdalena Project
international network of women in contemporary theatre
The Magdalena Project is a dynamic cross-cultural network of women’s theatre and performance, facilitating critical discussion, support and training. It is a nexus for diverse performance groups and individuals whose common interest lies in a commitment to ensuring the visibility of women’s artistic endeavor.
http://www.themagdalenaproject.org/en/content/magdalena-project
The branches of the Magdalena Project extend far and wide: over international borders and across generations. Groups meet in real time and place as well as online to share, engender and promulgate work and ideas. Largely surviving on the goodwill of its members and sponsors, it is a testimony to what we can achieve together in spirit of community and unity.
international network of women in contemporary theatre
The Magdalena Project is a dynamic cross-cultural network of women’s theatre and performance, facilitating critical discussion, support and training. It is a nexus for diverse performance groups and individuals whose common interest lies in a commitment to ensuring the visibility of women’s artistic endeavor.
http://www.themagdalenaproject.org/en/content/magdalena-project
The branches of the Magdalena Project extend far and wide: over international borders and across generations. Groups meet in real time and place as well as online to share, engender and promulgate work and ideas. Largely surviving on the goodwill of its members and sponsors, it is a testimony to what we can achieve together in spirit of community and unity.
The Paper Birds Theatre Company
The Paper Birds strive to create and share devised work that is important; work that is culturally, socially and politically observational and conversationally urgent. _Our productions will always emerge from a female perspective and often this female voice will prioritize stories of women.
The company's work will often shift and reinvent itself to address and evoke discussion, thought, and emotion when and where it is most needed, whilst retaining the company's signature visual and physical approach.
Forging relationships and initiating new partnerships and collaborations, The Paper Birds aim to utilise a dynamic performance vocabulary that speaks to it's audience visually, physically, and musically. From this The Paper Birds hope to touch and engage their audiences both intellectually and emotionally and ensure that the work remains to be diverse and relevant in the theatrical climate.
The Paper Birds trained at Bretton Hall, Leeds University (2000-2003) and completed an MA in 'Theatre Collectives' from the University of Chichester (2009) www.chiuni.ac.uk
The Paper Birds strive to create and share devised work that is important; work that is culturally, socially and politically observational and conversationally urgent. _Our productions will always emerge from a female perspective and often this female voice will prioritize stories of women.
The company's work will often shift and reinvent itself to address and evoke discussion, thought, and emotion when and where it is most needed, whilst retaining the company's signature visual and physical approach.
Forging relationships and initiating new partnerships and collaborations, The Paper Birds aim to utilise a dynamic performance vocabulary that speaks to it's audience visually, physically, and musically. From this The Paper Birds hope to touch and engage their audiences both intellectually and emotionally and ensure that the work remains to be diverse and relevant in the theatrical climate.
The Paper Birds trained at Bretton Hall, Leeds University (2000-2003) and completed an MA in 'Theatre Collectives' from the University of Chichester (2009) www.chiuni.ac.uk
The Thelmas
Great stories, told by great women...The Thelmas formed in response to a growing need for the support and development of new female writers. The gender imbalance in British theatre has never seemed more incongruous and so, much like the characters they help develop, The Thelmas are taking matters into their own hands. They are passionate about seeing more work commissioned which is written by women, for women and their work reflects this.
Founded by director, Madelaine Moore, whose recent work has been seen at the Arcola Theatre, RichMix London, and Camden People’s Theatre.
Great stories, told by great women...The Thelmas formed in response to a growing need for the support and development of new female writers. The gender imbalance in British theatre has never seemed more incongruous and so, much like the characters they help develop, The Thelmas are taking matters into their own hands. They are passionate about seeing more work commissioned which is written by women, for women and their work reflects this.
Founded by director, Madelaine Moore, whose recent work has been seen at the Arcola Theatre, RichMix London, and Camden People’s Theatre.
Want your company to be displayed here? Let us know!
*We use an inclusive definition of “woman” and “female” and we welcome trans and genderqueer women.