Book-It Repertory Theatre Programs
All of Book-It's work is created using the trademarked "Book-It Style" introduced by founding co-artistic directors Jane Jones and Myra Platt and developed by the Book-It Company of Seattle artists. With a signature spare production aesthetic, the Book-it Style preserves the complex narrative of the novel; it is shared by all the characters who shift seamlessly in and out of their character's words and the narrator's prose, creating the effect of literally seeing words spring to life on stage.
Mainstage Subscription Season
Every season, Book-It produces four-five world-premiere adaptations of great literature - both contemporary and classic - each title carefully selected for its unique voice, exceptional literary accomplishment and for its potential to inspire a love of reading in our audience. Our audience is invited to take a journey through diverse worlds, to see other points of view and other experiences in ways that enhance understanding, broaden knowledge and increase empathy.
Book-It Arts and Education
Book-It's Arts and Education Program is a unique model of arts education designed to enhance reading and comprehension skills while engaging youth with great stories and professional live theatre. One of the largest arts education programs in Seattle, we served over 78,000 students and educators last year through curriculum-based touring performances with workshops, classroom residencies, student matinees and professional development for teachers.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
This year, Book-It received the ultimate honor capping our 22nd year by receiving the 2012 Governor’s Art Award. We completed our fiscal year with sold-out performances of Garth Stein’s The Art of Racing in the Rain and began this season with a sold out run of Jamie Ford’s Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. We also secured funding from the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, in honor of Faye G. Allen, for a three-year expansion of our education touring program. Starting this spring, we will extend our reach to under-served schools and libraries on the Olympic Peninsula and east of the Cascade Mountains.
One challenge has been responding to the increased demand for our work and building operation capacity in order to support this growth. The impact of Book-It’s artistry and social relevance is only just beginning. Since 2007, we have doubled our budget, carefully balancing artistic risk with a conservative fiscal philosophy. In our strategic planning meetings, we scrutinized the Book-It process. Surprisingly, we discovered that as our budget grew, the budget for script development remained the same. We know it is critical that we maintain artistic excellence and prioritize artistic capacity. As a result, we are building a capacity campaign to support and manage our expanded operations and artistic development.
We are excited about the opportunity for growth and transformation in the years ahead and invite community support of our capacity building initiatives.