ABOUT
ABOUT
ABOUT
OUR
MISSION
ReThink Theatrical provides free and accessible storytelling to local communities.
With an educational and creative approach, we produce professional quality theater for everyone.
ReThink Theatrical is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes in accordance with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
OUR
VALUES
ReClaiming Community Theater.
In the next phase of our growth as an organization, we are committed to reclaiming the meaning of “Community Theater.” ReThink Theatrical will be active in redefining community theater as a space of radical empathy. A space for people of all identities to see themselves respected and celebrated. A space where high-level decision making is given back to the people as a collective. A space where storytelling fosters healthy creativity, learning, and expression.
HISTORY
Accessible theater since 2015.
ReThink Theatrical was founded in 2015, with the mission to produce theater on a zero-dollar budget. After experiencing unprecedented outpourings of support from our audiences season after season, we’ve expanded to producing theater on a limited budget with the generous, optional donations given to us at our events, and adding a Board of Trustees committed to this mission. This model allows us to provide free theater to those who cannot afford it, and to work in partnership with local communities to create professional quality theater for the public.
ANTI
RACISM
Creating safer spaces.
ReThink Theatrical is committed to being an anti-racist organization. To be anti-racist is to actively fight against racism. It is our intention to dismantle systems of oppression in all aspects of our organization. Here is a helpful reasource you can use to learn more about what it means for you to be anti-racist in your own life and work: The National Museum of African-American History and Culture - Being Anti-Racist.
ELEVATING
DIVERSE
VOICES
For us. By us. About us.
We have restructured the Artistic Director position and created, in its place, a self-governed Artistic Council. In years past our theatrical season was chosen by one or two people in key positions of power. In 2021, the shows we produce will be decided on by a cohort of incredible artists from many walks of life and diverse artistic specialties. These folks are working together to choose stories that best represent the experiences of our direct community - Middlesex County. The power to choose what stories we tell each year no longer belongs to one or two people - it belongs to a group of creative people who know the county we live in, and seek to serve those needs first.
PARTICIPATORY
BUDGETING
Spreading the wealth.
ReThink Theatrical has implemented a Participatory Budgeting Task Force. Participatory Budgeting gives a group of trusted people (who represent the community) the power to develop an annual budget after meeting and connecting with the folks who will be most impacted by budget decisions. This budget is then reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees. As a non profit organization, we take in money from real people every day and redistribute it back out to the larger community in the form of theatrical productions. But now, it’s not the Executive Director and Director of Productions making budget decisions in a vacuum; now members of the ReThink Community will have a weighty say in where the money is spent.
FREE
THEATER
Dignity. Respect. Pay what you wish.
We believe that the cost of theater and local art is a critical hurdle to achieving equity in art, and to providing storytelling to everyone. As a result, ReThink Theatrical will never charge an entrance fee for our productions, and operates on a “pay-what-you-wish” model.
ACCESSIBILITY
Content. Location. Art for you.
Beyond cost, other factors, such as language, ability, location/transportation, time investment, and familiarity with content, all play a role in the reception and enjoyment of a story. ReThink Theatrical works to maximize access to all audiences by creating its productions from square one with the audience in mind.
PARTNERSHIPS
Reflect. Represent. Engage.
ReThink Theatrical engages with local people and partners, providing quality storytelling that attracts local residents and reflects community values. This happens by choosing strategic locations, content, and partnerships that will provide the largest group of local people with free theater.
EDUCATION
Learning for all.
Theater can teach something to everyone! We offer relatable stories, workshops, outreach programs, and partnerships with academic institutions to help inspire others to learn more about art and more about one another.
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
Refine. Build. Stretch. Together.
ReThink Theatrical works with its company & production staffs, performers, and artists to develop a professional culture of inclusivity, teamwork, and education through the process of storytelling. We strive to help artists of every discipline refine the craft, build their portfolios, and stretch their professional limits as they work within our mission of accessible theater.