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Village Theatre 

Description

Village Theatre is a leading producer of musical theatre in the Pacific Northwest. Village Theatre provides the area with quality theatre for all ages. We choose many shows geared toward the entire family and produce musicals and non-musicals that are accessible, entertaining, and educational.

Mission Statement
The mission of Village Theatre is to be a regionally recognized and nationally influential center of excellence in family theatre; to promote a season of top quality productions; to commission and produce new musicals that achieve national exposure; to train young people in theatre skills for career opportunities and enriched lives; to develop a broad based appreciation for live theatre; and to promote positive values through art.
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Village Theatre
Francis J. Gaudette Theatre 
Issaquah 
WA
98027-2917 
(425) 392-1942 

Robb Hunt 
Executive Director 

Programs

Village Theatre Programs

Village Theatre's Mainstage season runs from September - July with 34 weeks of production in Issaquah and 20 weeks of production in Everett with a subscriber base of 18,500. The season includes musicals from the American musical theatre canon, a new musical, and one play. And the play selection looks to the repertoire for a drama, comedy, or classic, which speaks to the multiple generations in the Theatre's audience. All the productions are built from the ground up by regionally and nationally-recognized designers and directors.

Village Originals is a nationally-recognized program of new musical development is a year-round program that has developed 100 new musicals through every step of musical development, from first table reading to full-scale premier Mainstage productions. Several of Village Theatre's productions have recently been produced in New York, while others have been produced throughout the country and Asia.  Several of the new musicals that Village Theatre has developed have been licensed and are significant additions to the musical theatre canon. 

Youth Education programs serve over 48,000 young people annually and spring from the belief that a lifetime of theatre going and an enduring appreciation for live theatre must begins in the formative years. With "Skills For Life; Skills For Theatre" KIDSTAGE, based in both Issaquah and Everett, offers classes and productions for kids ages 3-20. Pied Piper brings live theatre to children through public and school performances throughout Puget Sound. Many productions are based on children's literature, which "Brings Literature to Life."

Recent Successes and Current Challenges

Developed and produced by Village Theatre, Next To Normal won three Tony Awards and was awarded the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.  The national tour of Next To Normal opened Fall 2010.  Tony Award winning Million Dollar Quartet was also developed and produced by Village Theatre. Productions of Million Dollar Quartet continue to run Chicago and and an indefinite run at Harrah's in Las Vegas.  The national tour opened throughout the country Fall, 2011. 

The production of musicals is the most demanding of resources, artistry, and ingenuity in theatre. Village Theatre produces large musicals in modest venues, which provides a uniquely intimate and satisfying experience for the audience. Village Theatre's production are designed and directed by regionally and nationally accomplished directors and designers. Rather than renting, we design and build each production from the ground up.   

Evaluation


Village Theatre, a leading producer of musical theatre in the Pacific Northwest, is currently celebrating its 30th Anniversary season.

Proven Success
Village Theatre has a strong reputation nationally and is one of the few companies still developing original musical theatre productions which are not only contributing to the repertoire locally but across the country—including Broadway—and as far away as London and Singapore. Every artistic season includes two Village Originals.

It is an effective incubator of new acting and playwriting talent. This was evidenced in 2009 when “Next to Normal” won three of the 11 Tony Awards for which it was nominated. As a youth, the playwright had participated in Village Theatre’s KIDSTAGE program and later he developed and produced the musical at First Stage by Village Theatre.

Best Practices
Each production taken to area schools—through their Pied Piper education program—meets the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs) for several subjects, including: arts, communication and reading. Free pre- and post-performance materials are provided to each teacher along with in-school workshops and residencies to connect each production to required classroom curriculum.

Accessibility and Cultural Competency
Ensuring access to the arts for underserved youth is a core value. The theatre served 53 King County schools representing 5,170 students and 200 teachers during the 2008 – 2009 season; of which, 474 students demonstrated financial need (based on WA’s free and reduced lunch guidelines). Schools that benefited from Village Theatre’s scholarship program included those in Highline and Federal Way School Districts as well as rural school districts such as Snoqualmie Valley and Tahoma. Village Theatre also provides scholarships to low-income youth for its KIDSTAGE program.

Sustainability
Village Theatre is balancing artistic risks with fiscal responsibility. The staff and Board leadership are committed to the long-term sustainability of Village Theatre while continuing to achieve their mission. On the continuum of performing arts, musical theatre is one of the most expensive. The Theatre has remained stable during the recession.

Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:

Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:

DateAmountPurpose
9/10/2012 $10,000.00support general operating expenses.
3/10/2010 $25,000.00support general operating expenses.
3/10/2008 $30,000.00support general operating expenses.
12/15/2005 $50,000.00support the capital campaign.

Financials

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