Our Mission
Theater in the Open is dedicated to creating, sharing and supporting live theater and high-quality youth arts education that is inclusive and accessible to all regardless of ability, identity, age or socio-economic background. Our programs take place outdoors in nature and in non-traditional spaces as a means to breaking down walls and increasing participation. We believe the stories that challenge and engage both artists and audiences deserve to be told with a spirit of generosity and community.
Why Free Theater?
We are proud to have realized our long-term goal of bringing free theater to the area, keeping art as open and accessible as possible. Art helps to build community and we want to continue to be a resource for people to establish connections with each other, with their imaginations and with nature. Every ticketed show that Theater in the Open produces, helps to fund those shows that we offer for free to the public.
We are equally committed to fostering youth arts education, because we recognize that exposure to the arts helps young people connect to a community while building self-confidence, empathy and critical thinking skills. For this reason, we work hard to ensure that our performing arts education classes are affordable and fully inclusive. We also offer a robust scholarship program to further support accessibility. To learn more or contribute to this effort, visit our Ways to Give page.
“There’s something very appealing to me about free art and free cultural experiences, where the communal form becomes as important as the content. There is something wonderfully democratic and fundamental about a community deciding that something is worth investing in so that everyone can enjoy it.”
What We've Achieved
Shifted from a fee-based to a free theater model, ensuring that art is accessible to all.
Premiered numerous works, including more than 25 original scripts and 100 adaptations.
Formed partnerships with a number of health and human services organizations to include underserved youths in areas beyond Greater Newburyport in our programs.
Received the 1999 Newburyport Mayor’s Art Award for our body of work.
Increased capacity at our Summer Arts Workshop — we are now able to serve over 300 students each summer.
Named as Curators for the Gatekeeper’s House at Maudslay State Park, ensuring continuity at our headquarters for the next 20 years.