15 Years of Mainstages: Evolving Our Vision for a Creative Future
posted on Aug 26 2024
Reflecting on 15 years of Creativity, Connection, and Character
mainstages has grown from a spark of an idea into a vibrant community dedicated to enriching lives through theater. This milestone is not just about looking back—it's about embracing what's next. Our vision for the future means adapting, expanding, and ensuring our programs continue to make a meaningful impact throughout the year. Take a journey with us through the numbers and hear how we're modifying and evolving for a bright future with you!
Year-Round Programs: A Commitment to Engagement
Over the past 15 years, we’ve reached 263,359 participants through our programs and performances. From in-school to after-school programs, religious institutions and more, our year-round offerings continue to emphasize the values that define us: creativity, resilience, and fun.
As we've expanded, we've developed engaging workshop and showcase programs that captivate young audiences while fostering character building. This year, we're more committed than ever to ensuring our programs are accessible, engaging, and tailored to meet the needs of every community we serve. This school year, we’re focusing on our Triple Threat Academy Showcase as an alternative to offering "traditional" musicals. This accommodates a broad range of ages and allows participants to work towards a culminating performance that families can engage with, all while ensuring maximum participation and enjoyment.
High-Impact Performances: Bringing the Stage to You
With 2,831 shows produced, we’ve brought dynamic, interactive experiences to children and families for schools, camps, community centers, and more. Our Respect For All Game Show and Defying Gravity are designed to create lasting memories while addressing important themes like anti-bullying and gratitude. With the support of our Profound workshops, we’re helping schools, camps, and community centers tackle social-emotional learning head-on through dynamic, live experiences.
The world today is inundated with so much information that things can feel consistently chaotic. Now more than ever, people need to feel supported, seen, and heard. According to the New York City Arts Blueprint, arts education plays a crucial role in developing social-emotional skills in children. Since the pandemic, we have introduced an annual theme that underpins everything we do. This year, our theme of resilience mirrors our own journey from a seasonal sleepaway camp theater program to a nationwide company with 41 employees.
Summer Camps: Fun, Flexibility, and Immersive Experiences
Our journey began 15 years ago as a “theater in a box” for sleepaway camps, primarily catering to the 9 to 13 age group. Since then, we’ve expanded to 314 camp programs delivered at day and sleepaway camps nationwide with programming for all ages from preschoolers to high school students.
As we plan for the upcoming season, we’re turning up the fun and interactivity with even more immersive experiences, catering to a wide age range that includes adults. Think campers solving a mystery together or crafting their own stories in real-time, complete with media screens and elements that add a modern twist to classic activities.
Adapting Camp Staffing & Support
We know that finding and hiring passionate, committed theater directors for a full summer is more challenging than ever. To address this, we’re evolving our approach:
- Opening Up Our Network Referral Process: Camps will now have open access to our expanded applicant pool and roster of mainstages teaching artists and performers, giving them the freedom to find the right fit for their unique needs.
- Flexibility to Hire Multiple Applicants: Camps can select one or more applicants to ensure they have the staff needed to deliver a vibrant theater program all summer long.
- Profound Programming for Teens and Staff: We’re bringing our Profound workshops to teens and staff, offering sessions that deepen creative expression, build leadership, and empower participants to thrive. Whether it's an inspiring staff training or a transformative teen workshop, these programs are designed to connect, engage, and inspire.
A Vision for the Future: Creativity, Connection, and Community
Looking ahead, we remain focused on our mission of building character through theater. Our commitment to growth means adapting to the challenges of today while staying true to the core values that have defined us since the beginning.
As we continue this journey, we’re excited to explore new possibilities, from expanding partnerships to offering even more high-impact programs year-round. With a presence across 811 partner organizations in 28 states, we’re proud to bring the magic of theater to communities near and far.
At the heart of everything we do, let’s not forget that we create fun! mainstages has always been an escape—a high-energy, interactive extravaganza that gets kids excited and engaged. The effort we put into making our work seamless ensures that children experience the magic without noticing the behind-the-scenes details. Our refinements, developed over thousands of experiences, have shaped us into the vibrant, dynamic company we are today. Yes, we are growing to be more intentional and maximize our impact, but that doesn’t mean it has to be dull or boring. We believe in laughing through pain and uncomfortable situations, as humor is healing. We won’t shy away from hard topics but will address them the mainstages way—through fun, empathy, and joy.
Here's to 15 years of mainstages, and to the next chapter of creativity, connection, and endless possibilities!
Looking to Evolve?
posted on Aug 26 2024
Matt is a seasoned camp and theater professional with over 20 years staff experience at both day and resident camps. Matt graduated New York University's Tisch School Of The Arts with degrees in Theater and Applied Education and served as Company Manager of the New Acting Company in New York City.
Matt has toured with the National Theater for Children and has written, directed, and produced over 150 shows for children. Matt is a consultant on theatrical services for summer camps and is a presenter for the American Camp Association on theatrical best practices.
Matt is proud to be a founding member of the mainstages team and is passionate about the goal of using creativity to inspire social action and strengthen theatrical arts in the youth movement.