woven theatre company
Woven Theatre is dedicated to the production of new art and giving a platform to new artists, with a focus on queer stories and new work development.
ABOUT
Woven Theatre was started in 2016 by a trio of young directors yearning to create. Together they put on their first season, producing four projects in the span of three months. Unlike many theatre companies, Woven Theatre strayed away from the standard model involving a board of directors and instead created an Artistic Council. Being founded by three directors, an Artistic Director didn't make sense. Woven Theatre wanted to be a collection of artists that came together to create and grow.
As Woven Theatre grew, a focus on new works and the LGBTQ+ community emerged. Each season includes at least one premiere which ranges from regional to world premieres. Along the way, we have made a conscious effort to cultivate work by, for, and made with the LGBTQ+ community. These initiatives have become central to our programming and artistic identity.
MISSION
Woven Theatre seeks to provide a haven in which artists can creatively and boldly explore their unique voices and tell the stories that drive them.
We accomplish this by:
-Removing the barriers that can impede artistic authenticity and access to it.
-Prioritizing the access to art above all, by keeping ticket prices low, varying the distribution methods and crafting art that is inclusive.
-Focusing on developing and staging new works.
-Engaging with the present and pertinent issues that currently permeate society.
-Uplifting the stories and voices of the LGBTQ+ community with care and truthfulness
-Compensating artists for their time and talents
Woven Theatre charges itself to be unabashed, unashamed, audacious, fearless, rebellious, gritty, authentic, current, and queer.
VISION
Woven Theatre is dedicated to the production of new art and giving a platform to new artists. We strive to provide meaningful and robust opportunities for underserved artists to hone their craft and advance their art.
STATEMENT OF TRANS INCLUSION
Woven Theatre is a company that tells queer stories, and as such, we are a Safe Space for all LGBTQ+ people; however, specificity is key. We would also like to affirm ourselves as a Safe Space specifically for all trans and gender-nonconforming people. We invite and encourage any and all trans and/or GNC theatre makers to audition, design, and work with us. Woven does not allow hate speech. We work hard to make sure that everyone involved in the theatre-making process is included and respected, and that goes double for our trans and GNC colleagues. As such, we will be implementing the following policies for Woven:
Every actor will be asked on audition sheets what roles they are interested in being cast as.
When casting trans and GNC characters, trans and GNC actors will be the first considered for those roles; likewise, for shows that specifically deal with trans and GNC characters, trans and GNC designers will be considered first for those positions.
Bathrooms and dressing rooms will be accommodating for trans and GNC actors.
If a trans or GNC actor or designer brings up a concern about feeling unsafe, they will be allowed to voice concerns without fear of retaliation. The safety and comfort of our artists are our highest priority.
We have a distinct history of working with trans and GNC theatre artists, and we want it to continue for years to come.
THE LOOM
Woven Theatre is committed to and passionate about creating new theatre, and that is why we annually present The Loom, a new works festival in which new plays are selected for public staged readings. Plays are carefully considered from submissions, and the selected plays and playwrights are paired with directors that choose casts and set up rehearsals in preparation for the festival. We hope The Loom will serve as a platform for playwrights to hear and better understand their plays, expose them to a larger audience, and give actors and directors opportunities to explore and express their artistry.