Phone +1 714-525-4484 | ||
Address 400 E Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832, USA Hours Closed now Sunday2–7PMMondayClosedTuesdayClosedWednesdayClosedThursdayClosedFriday(Cesar Chavez Day)7–11:30PMHours might differSaturday7–11:30PMSuggest an edit Similar Maverick Theater, La Mirada Theater Center, Stage Door Repertory Theatre, AMC Fullerton 20, Chance Theater | ||
STAGEStheatre is a 501(c)3 non-profit theatre located in Fullerton, California. It is the oldest storefront theatre in Orange County, and has mounted hundreds of productions, including American classics, comedies, dramas, Shakespeare, absurdist, avant-garde, experimental and original plays.
History
STAGEStheatre was founded in 1992 by Brian Kojac. At first it was a small space for actors to work on their craft. The theatre has drawn on the talents of many students (and former students), college faculty and arts administrators in Orange County's three high schools, community college and university. Over time STAGEStheatre developed into a well-known Orange County artistic venue.
In 1993, STAGEStheatre began producing shows in an industrial complex in Northeast Anaheim. Kojac named the theatre “STAGES;” alluding to the stages one goes through in life. A year later, after forty-one productions, the theatre expanded to a second space next door to the Anaheim location. It was at this time the theatre began to produce late night productions, in addition to the regular primetime season.
By 1997, the theatre had produced 112 productions; more than 90 were original works. Two years later, STAGEStheatre graduated from its self-described “underground, Indie” status and moved to the storefront it now currently occupies at 400 East Commonwealth Avenue.
In 2004, the theatre achieved non-profit status, under the direction of Patrick Gwlatney as Managing Artistic Director,and changed its name to STAGEStheatre. The theatre is operated by volunteers, and is run by a Board of Directors, led by an Artistic Director and Executive Director.
Spectacles Improv Engine is an improvisation group that performs regularly at the theatre, conducts improv classes during the day and organizes the charity fundraiser Orange County Improv Cup and the Orange County Improv Festival. In late 2012, Spectacles broke the record for Longest Improv Scene by performing for 25 continuous hours. A second improv group, "The Lobby", is also based at STAGESTheatre.
One of the theatre's more unusual productions was the 2012 presentation The Twilight Zone, which dramatized four stories from the classic television series hosted by Rod Serling. Another production, The North Plan, concerns the future of freedom of speech in the United States.