TheatreWorks Silicon Valley is a professional non-profit theatre company based in Palo Alto, California, United States. Founded in 1970 by Robert Kelley.
 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 |
History
edit1970s
editRobert 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
editIn 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
editIn 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
editFounding Artistic Director Robert Kelley retired in June 2020 after 50 years with the company, marking one of the longest tenures in American theatre.[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.