Stageworks Theatre Co

From my first visit to Stageworks Theatre to becoming a volunteer and then joining the Board of Directors, I felt as though I would forever be involved with this Theatre. I have been impressed with the quality of the productions, the diversity in the subject matter presented and intriguing nature and execution of their mission. I believe Stageworks Theatre to be a meaningful part of the Arts community in Tampa Bay.

Stageworks routinely brings thought-provoking modern theater to audiences in the heart of this community's vital urban core. Their dedicated staff and volunteers extend the company's effectiveness with outreach programs aimed at introducing local youth to the process and joy of acting in live theater. It is a pleasure to attend beautifully performed and produced material attended by a diverse and energetic audience in an intimate theater space. Stageworks is a quality experience for all who love theater in the Tampa Bay area.

Stageworks is much more than a theater company; it is a thriving educational resource for the community. It regularly stages high caliber productions, yes - but it also works with children through its outreach programs, broadening their knowledge of not only theater, but of cultural diversity and acceptance.

Stageworks is a great theater group. It is always fun going to the shows and experiencing local theater in Tampa. They do wonderful outreach programs for children, as well. Looking forward to seeing the shows every season.

The City of Tampa Florida is becoming more sophisticated by the day with the tremendous surge of urban development. Stageworks Theatre was one of the first of the theatre groups to bring truly diverse and thought provoking plays to the area over 30 years ago. Stageworks has progressed as an outstanding venue with it's own jewel of a theatre that makes you think you are in New York or San Francisco, or even the west end of London. Check their website for the curent season and pick up a flex pass. You can choose your own combination of plays. If you love theatre make sure and check out Stageworks, you'll be glad you did.

There could be no better place to volunteer ones time than Stageworks Theatre. The plays are beautifully diverse and many of the actors are great local talents. What a wonderful way to be a part of this vibrant community. I love Stageworks Theatre!

I love not only the plays, which are innovative as well as classical...but I appreciate the work they do for young and struggling youth. They have gone into prisons to work with young boys, ages 10-16 or 17 to teach and help through creative process of acting. They have professional actors working with after school children whose parents are at work...etc.,etc. Anne Kantor...annekantor@aol.com

We are so fortunate to have such a first-rate theatre company in Tampa! Stageworks brings a stellar mix of genres and high-quality performance and production to the urban core. The theatre is both intimate and dynamic - a perfect addition to Tampa's cultural arts scene.

I am always amazed by the performances at Stageworks Theatre Co. I'm so impressed by the Theatre that for Christmas and Birthdays I purchase tickets for my friends. They do a great job in selecting the shows they are going to perform, Sylvia was my all time favorite, I've never seen anything like it. Thank you for doing the work that you do in making this an amazing theatre and experience.

Aside from wonderful, thoughtful performances, never have I seen a more dedicated group of volunteers give life to this amazing theater. I heartily and without reservation recommend it to Great Nonprofits as much as I do my friends and neighbors here in the community where this theater gives so much back.

As a transplant from NY over 10 years ago, I missed the excitement and quality of off-Broadway theater.
After my first trip to Stageworks to attend one of their shows, I was once again back in the realm of theatre that engaged you, challenged you, and brought the diversity of both plays and audiences together.

Before long I was fortunate enough to join the Stageworks Board, and was educated about their programs for at-risk adolescents, and their mission to produce shows that helped to close the gap between diverse groups. Stageworks Theatre works to help their audience to understand the problems and concerns outside of their own safe circles and lifestyles.

The people involved with Stageworks, no matter what their particular role might be, are all part of a larger whole that is totally committed to the ongoing quality and success of this outstanding Theatre.
If I could give them 10 stars--I would!

I have been inspired by the volunteers and staff. This theatre cares about more than just the stage - their hard work is in service of a new Renaissance for Tampa, and reinvestment in our community.

Having volunteered since 2009 for Stageworks, they are like family to me. Stageworks has some of the most amazing live performances that you can find in the Tampa Bay area and to give so many of us a place to share our talents for the disadvantaged of our community makes it a wonderful organization.

For over 30 years Stageworks Theatre has been producing top quality professional shows that make you stretch your realm of experience. Dedicated to exploring diversity and teaching tolerance, Stageworks has always been a leader in choosing plays that challenge you while they entertain you. I am proud to be associated with this great organization.

As Founder and for 30 plus years the Producing Artistic Director, of course I am biased; however, this theater has been the flagship for Bay Area theaters through it's producing diverse plays and supporting young and/or new minority talents in the area. Additionally, the SW outreach program, most notably it's Rainbow Tribe was the first, and continues to be a flagship example of critical workshops for the youth of Hillsborough County, especially in the areas of anger management, social skills, and work preparedness. The continued commitments to these kinds of projects provide a baseline example and a critical space/place where minorities can go and be welcomed, encouraged and trained. SW has been and continues to be deeply committed and involved in Tampa's and the entire county's minority populations.

I think that Stageworks offers the best and most interesting theater in Tampa Bay.
Every play is outstanding and you feel good going and supporting the community.
The price is unbeatable also.

I have been attending Stageworks Theater for several years and it's always an amazing, moving experience! The productions celebrate the human spirit, while challenging the thresholds of intolerance and insensitivity. Stageworks plays are most frequently 'taboo' subjects, that many theaters steer away from. Giving a voice to those marginalized by circumstance as exploring the multi-cultural society we live in. The productions touch subjects of racism, sexism, homophobia and anti-Semitism. I am constantly amazed by the level of acting and directing and the continued diversity of content. I leave being wholly entertained. Better yet, a more educated, tolerant individual!

I've been associated with Stageworks for over 10 years, as a playwright, as a patron, even as a volunteer usher. SW has been a true asset to this community, bringing first rate theater to Tampa, nurturing and encouraging artists, and fulfilling a vital role in the community.

I watched 2 plays at the end of this years season and was completely moved by the content and the presentation. The directing and the acting in the play was absolutely phenomenal. In the play "Of Mice & Men", the cast did an incredible job in portraying the hope and challenges of the country at the time. The ending shook me in my seat and left a lasting impression. "How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents" was another play that hit home with me as a 2nd generation Indian, and I am sure hit home with other 2nd generation immigrants who have faced similar "crisis" with their sense of identity as the assimilated into this country. The diverse themes of the plays make Stageworks a wonderful theater. I look forward to the diverse themes being presented this year by this wonderful team!

I had the privilege of working with Anna Brennen. Her brilliant direction and approach to the piece bonded the actors, we really became an ensemble, which brought more life into the piece, which resulted to sold out performances night after night. Brennen reached out to an audience that rarely gets any recognition in the Tampa Bay area. StageWorks offers a space and a voice to minorities, from all walks of life, to tell their stories and connect us as a whole.

I've been a theatre lover my entire life. Being part of Stageworks Theatre has enriched my life enormously by presenting quality productions of both classic and cutting edge plays and by allowing me to participate in raising money for their youth outreach programs. The arts are part of what makes all great cities great and Stageworks Theatre helps make Tampa a fabulous city.

I have served in various capacities for over 25 years but by far my greatest pleasure is as an audience member. Stageworks consistently delivers high quality acting, directing, sound and set design, and scripts that are relevant to current events. Their use of diverse talent to provoke thought and inspire creative solutions to the problems of humanity are much appreciated. As a local teacher, I always encourage my students to attend Stageworks productions.

Stageworks brings the best actors to its new space and continues to provide great theatre. Stageworks is progressive, with social concern. Anna and Company produced my third civil rights play, that dealt with the 16th Street Church bombing in Birmingham. Beyond the stage, the Theatre does community outreach, taking programs to at-risk youth. The greatest!

Stageworks goes above and beyond to create great theater and to do good works for the community through their outreach programs.
Great little theater space for actors to work in and for audiences to enjoy.

SW is easily the finest regional theater in the Tampa Bay Area. They are astonishing not only for the quality of the productions but also their exemplary program of outreach into needy communities such as at-risk youth. Their mission to present stories of under-represented populations - including women, gays, ethnic minorities - makes a real difference. Their support of local playwrights including annual one-act festival is a substantial contribution in an area with few similar resources. -Ed Stevens, Kennedy Center Award Winning Playwright, www.EdStevensthePlaywright.com.

Stageworks sets itself above and beyond the average theatre experience in Tampa Bay. They are a dedicated force of professionals, volunteers with advisors and Season Ticket holders that CONTINUE to come back time after time. Many new faces find exceptional opportunities to enjoy their craft, demonstrate the mission statement of the theatre, serve the audience members and reach out to numerous special needs populations in Tampa. I have served on various theatre boards and rarely have I found the diversity of cultures that Stageworks reaches out to. Beyond what the audience sees as a supremely tuned theatre production, a million hours are spent on creating the final product.Everyone works hard to polish the success of each endeavor and it shows, time after time, show after show.

I’m a lifelong theatre lover, and have recently discovered the joy of Stageworks! The company provides the Tampa Bay region with quality productions and amazing talent in an intimate setting. Its outreach programs to at-risk children are vital to helping kids find new approaches to everyday challenges. I’m proud to be affiliated with Stageworks, and I’m reminding all my friends and colleagues of the transformative power of live performance.

Stageworks Theatre consistently offers an outstanding theater experience in an intimate and delightful black-box setting. Their season always includes something for everyone, although theater-lovers in general can be guaranteed enjoyment by attending everything they present. Each production offers fine directing, creative design and a talented ensemble of actors guaranteed to enhance that very special something you can only get from live theater.

I have known Anna before StageWorks. I volunteered to help her in her quest for quality theatre. I will make a gift to to our Tampa Bay Community. She has worked tirelessly and it's time now for us to support StageWorks. Alleluia, Amen! DI

Stageworks Outreach uses the performing arts, such as dramatic improv and bucket drumming, to teach at risk youth important social skills such as anger management and conflict resolution. I have seen it have the biggest impact on juvenile justice youth who credit the progam with helping them deal with anger, improve their social skils and have a more positive out look on their education.

I have been involved as early as "pre" StageWorks with Anna Brennan. The contribution to the entire Tampa Bay community has been invaluable. Young artists are given great opportunities resulting in great performances for the entire public at VERY reasonable rates.The last production (Biloxi Blues) was monumental. StageWorks now has their own facility and an every growing appreciative audience. They deserve support! Many folks have given voluntarily to assist SW. I have recognized talent and am now coaching some of the young actors in improving their vocal skills. This "company" is down to earth and supports theatre arts to an exulted state. It is crucial they remain "in business". Many of their productions would make it off Broadway if given a chance, so it is imperative they stay here in the Tampa Bay area to give us the best theatre and musical theatre available.

Stageworks is a wonderful theatre company which truly understands diversity.
The company brings theatre and the arts to the elderly, the disadvantaged, even to prisons.
By exposing at-risk youth to the arts, Stageworks has turned some lives around.
This group is worthy of support and should be nurtured for the valuable work they do.
I have performed with this group over the last four years. They live up to their billing - a diverse group helping to enrich the lives of others who might not otherwise see any live theatre in their lives.
I hope you will strongly consider them for any grants or assistance available.

Thank you.

I became involved because Stageworks is committed to challenging narrow-mindedness -- both through its theater productions and outreach programs. If you believe in equality and and expanding horizons, this organization is for you.

I have been enjoying Stageworks Theatre for over 23 years, since coming to reside in Tampa. Their plays are always provocative, cutting edge and entertaining. Quite often after attending a performance, your thoughts stay with it for some considerable time, as you think about the play, the actors, the subject matter, etc. etc.

It's great to live in a place that offers such fine theatre. I only hope they can keep up the good work as operational expenses increase and the necessary support funding seems to decrease.

I helped with their outreach program with underpriveledged children. This is a program that helps to teach life skills to children through the arts. When students learn through acting, movement or song they own the behavior and call on it when needed. They learn in a risk free climate and feel comfortable and accepted for who they are and what they can bring to the table. It's a win win project for the students, the community and our future.

I have worked as costume designer with Stageworks and I love the realtionship. They really care. Moreover, they produce professional quality theatre and bring an awesome product to their audiance. It is a great feeling to work with a group that is doing its part to keep the Arts alive in Tampa. Bravoi, bravo, bravo!

The last show that I worked on (God of Issac) was my best theatre experience in years!

One of the things I love about Stageworks is that they're never afraid to take chances, whether it's tackling classics, provocative modern theatre, or first time productions. I can always count on lots of fireworks and heart in each production. They keep theatre exciting in the Bay area.

I have worked as an actor, PR director, Admin Assistant, Photographer and volunteer for Stageworks after a great deal of international business and media experience.

I was first introduced to Stage Works and Anna Brennan when she gave complimentary tickets to our school to see a performance of "My Children! My Africa!" It was the first time our group of at-risk teens had seen a play, and they were hooked. The performance was powerful and amazing, but what was even more amazing was the way Anna and the cast interacted with our students. Her warmth and enthusiasm drew them in and ignited in them an interest in the theatre and the arts that they never knew existed. Since that first show, the plays have been a topic of discussion in our classroom and our students have taken an interest in reading plays out-loud in class. Some have expressed interest in writing and performing their own plays. She has since provided our class with comlimentary tickets to all of their shows. After the plays, Anna and the cast always take the time to provide a talk-back with our students, which means so much to them.

No matter where Stage Works puts on a show, be it very small to medium size theatre, it always comes on top. From Classical to Contemporary plays, always with extraordinary results. It is with no doubts Tampa Cannot afford to be without Stage Works presence to illuminate our Downtown’s Cultural Lights. Downtown Tampa is slowly becoming a vibrant place for the arts, and Stage Works will add immensurable with its presence to its culture in a growing metropolis

Review from a performer's point of view.....always...professional, sincere, dynamic and honest.... Olympian efforts...always..from the professional artists, faithful Volenteers and teaching staff.. Would be a blessing to the Tampa Bay area if they had a PERMANENT HOME...

Every time I see the words StageWorks and/or Anna Brennen I get excited because I know I am in for a treat. I would not miss one of their performances. We were amazed that the young man at the Preview of Agnes of God had never seen a play and I hope he never misses another play by StageWorks. I never go wrong telling my friends and classmates "don't miss this one, you are in for a treat." Besides entertainment. StageWorks is otherwise involved in the community with the Juvenile Justice Department and the schools working on anger management. So you see this is not just about entertainment. StageWorks is about awareness of issues, values, and current trends.

Highest honors to Stageworks in two categories. First they put on terrific shows under Anna Brennan's direction and second through a sister organization: Stagewrights, they support local playwrights with readings and development of new scripts. Few theatre organizations offer this range of accomplishment.

I've been a regular audience member and occasional low-level volunteer for this theatre company since its inception, more than twenty-five years ago. The founder, Anna Brennen, created productions anywhere she could seat an audience -- vacant store fronts in Tampa's Latin Quarter, stages in generous colleges and universities, an outdoor location near the river, art galleries, and has co-produced with other local theatre groups and our Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. After nearly three decades of scrambling for space, the scramble has changed. Now the company is scrambling for funds to complete the buildout of their own venue near downtown, in Tampa's new Channel District. My audience experience at Stageworks Theatre productions has always been exciting -- they've always chosen shows which challenge their patrons. I haven't always "enjoyed" my evenings at Stageworks -- sometimes I come out very angry or sad or melancholy, but I've never left a production with the blahs. Those of us, like me, who have followed local theatre in Tampa for the last 60 years are jubilant that the future of the this home-grown company seems more secure than ever before, and that our grandchildren will experience a continuity of demanding and thrilling live performance in our town.

Theatre in the Tampa Bay area? One person and one organization stand out among all the others- StageWorks and it’s director Anna Brennen. Both are unparalleled icons in the community. Anna is a friend of playwrights everywhere. It’s impossible to imagine our area’s cultural climate with out the contributions of StageWorks. – Elizabeth Indianos

It is hard to put into words the value that Anna Brennan (Director) and her "family" have bestowed upon my students who experienced their first theatre outing at a Stageworks performance. She treated them with dignity, respect, and normalcy which is often not the case for a group of at-risk teens! After the first show we attended, the cast held an exclusive talk-back for only our group. What an amazing experience it was for our students to sit and casually talk with the actors all on their own! This was something they had never done before. Anna and her staff have since provided at least 10 complimentary tickets to each show and our students are falling in love with the theatre. Last week, our students attended the Stageworks production "Agnes Of God" and for one of our 17 year old male students, this was his first time ever at a play. He commented after that he had no idea plays could be so much fun and that he wanted to get a girlfriend so that he could take her on a date to a performance! This type of creative exposure is vital to the success of young adults and Stageworks is providing a quality environment for our teens to gain that exposure. Bravo!

In December of 2008 I approached Stageworks about the possibility of volunteering for them in the area of Marketing. As a PhD Student in Fine Arts, I needed a project for my dissertation. Stageworks’s Founder/Producing Director, Anna Brennen, graciously offered me the opportunity to write a marketing initiative for the company. As part of the marketing audit process I became intimately familiar with this incredible organization. One of Stageworks’s most impressive characteristics is its uncompromising commitment to MISSION. In each of its programming areas, the idea of “challenging the thresholds of intolerance and insensitivity,” is paramount. I believe the company’s outreach programming is its most important and socially significant program area. Always aimed at the community’s most severely disadvantaged (indigent senior citizens, at-risk youth, and youth in the Juvenile Justice System), to date Stageworks raises much of the money to run these outreach programs as opposed to simply acting as a contracted player-- they are truly invested. Interestingly, Stageworks’s commitment to the most disadvantaged of our society/community is in some ways coming full circle. I was an underprivileged kid from this community. By providing me with access to their organization for my graduate work, Stageworks is serving yet another “disadvantaged kid,” (me) by helping him complete his education. I hope to pay this kindness forward by serving the organization for many years to come. Additionally, during this time of recession, Stageworks refuses retrench by giving up on its goal of moving into its first permanent space—they refuse to abandon the dream. When many non-profit organizations are cutting programs, Stageworks is dreaming about new programs. This non-profit understands that the arts are not merely entertainment and diversion; they educate, provide hope to a community, and give vision for the future. This new space will serve not only as performance venue, but also as headquarters for the outstanding outreach programs. Stageworks has a lot going on with an award-winning mainstage season, vital outreach programs, and fully-functioning playwrighting program; however they never lose sight of their distinctive MISSION. I am grateful Stageworks exists to serve the Tampa Bay community. ~Jeffrey Wells~

As a writer of musical theatre, I have found a home with Stage Works. Monthly meetings with fellow writers have proved to be invaluable in the development my latest piece, An Gorta Mor, a musical set against the backdrop of the Irish potato famine of 1846.

I am an actress, director and instructor in the Tampa Bay area. I had worked professionally in the entertainment industry for many years in the Los Angeles market and I am a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Without question, Stageworks exemplifies the very best our area has to offer with regard to a compelling theatrical experience and commitment to the craft of acting. They take that commitment even further through their outreach programs that help at risk youth using the power of theatre. I first met Stageworks at an audition for a play under the direction of Anna Brennan. From the moment I stepped into the theater, I knew I had found a unique, caring, committed and incredibly talented group of people. The level of dedication to the craft, to the community, to children and to humanity is inspiring and their presence reminds me of what true artistry is and why it is so important to support.

I am a playwright and have lived in Tampa for ten years. When I first moved here, there was a consensus that Stageworks under the direction of Anna Brennen was the very best...and I have found that to be true. I have attended most of there productions over the past ten years and they are outstanding. Two years ago I had the previlege of having my last civil rights era play produced by Stageworks and the production from casting to set design was beyond my wildest hope and brought to life my play...any problems with the play were solely the responsibility of the playwright. Beyond their mainstage productions Stageworks sponsors the Rainbow Tribe that takes theatre to minority and high risk youth...teaching such things as anger management through the arts. Also, I found a home among fellow playwrights in a Stageworks' sponsored development program. Soon, Stageworks will enjoy a new and permanent home in our Channelside District bring life and live theatre to a developing area of our unique Tampa Bay. Stageworks is the best. Hubert Grissom

Stageworks is not only the technically best theater company in the Tampa Bay area, but it is also the one most committed to presenting controversial and under-represented viewpoints. Its work is comparable to the best of regional and off-Broadway theaters I have been involved with. It is the only theater in the area that supports playwriting by providing an ongoing workshop for playwrights and production opportunities.