Mission Statement

MISSION & HISTORY

OUR MISSION:  The Free Theatre provides an inclusive, supportive environment in which passionate students have the opportunity to be at the helm of the collaborative and creative process of producing theatre, regardless of financial means.

OUR VISION: The Free Theatre aims to continue to offer students in the MD/DC/VA metro area the opportunity to be explore their passion in the many facets of creating theater. Students lead the process, working onstage, offstage and on the production side (in any area of interest that appeals to them, whether it be direction, music, costumes, PR, choreography, tech, set design, stage management, props, etc.) to help make the full-scale musical shows possible.

OUR HISTORY: The Free Theatre was formed in June, 2018 by a small group of dedicated high school seniors with the desire and drive to create a non-profit 501(c)3, student-run, tuition-free company for students who are passionate about creating theater. We began rehearsals in Silver Spring for our inaugural show, “Mamma Mia,” (December 2018) with a team of 50 students, aged 13-18. We moved our rehearsal space to Rockville in January, 2019 and produced “In the Heights” and “Fame” in 2019. During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, we had to shut down our spring production of “Sweeney Todd,” and went on to a virtual platform with intensive workshops and classes. We returned with and “Pippin” and “Chicago” in 2021. All of our shows have been directed, choreographed, stage-managed and designed by high school students. Adults, professionals in all aspects of theater, are present as resources, advisors and mentors to students, as well as serve on an advisory board to the company.

The Free Theatre has existed completely on individual donations and grants since our inception. We are currently looking for new avenues to keep us fully funded so that all students, regardless of financial means, may continue to attend tuition-free.

 

The Free Theatre Non-discrimination Clause, finalized and adopted June, 2020

The Free Theatre shall not discriminate against any person on the basis of age, sex, race, color, background, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, physical, mental or sensory disability, matriculation, socio-economic status, political or religious opinion, or affiliation in any of its policies, procedures or practices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact Information:

 

Marci Shegogue

Board President

The Free Theatre

info@thefreetheatre.org

mshego@icloud.com

 

Federal EIN

#83-1053720