Alphabet Theatre

Alphabet Theatre Mission and Philosophy Mission Alphabet Theatre builds loving relationships and engages diverse groups of youth in strengthening their sense of identity, passion, and purpose, individually and in community, through transformational theatre arts experiences. Philosophy At Alphabet Theatre we believe in the healing, transformative power of the theatrical arts. The personal and communal growth possible when participating in an acting, singing, dancing ensemble is most fully realized with both skilled leadership and loving collaboration. Values Love Love is the key to building personal and professional relationships in which mutuality, trust, authenticity, forgiveness, compassion, understanding, growth, and gratitude inspire and motivate committed investment; Inclusion Fostering an open and affirming environment; maintaining affordability; acknowledging disabilities and special needs; honoring differences in race, culture, economic background, ethnic

This morning as I was praying for a safe journey to one of my favorite places (Stratford, Ontario and the Shakespeare Festival Theatre), a recent memory popped into my head.   One of our casual supporters had recently said to us “the best thing you do is organize those trips to Stratford, Ontario to show the kids REAL theatre.”   At the time, I smiled and nodded and thanked him for his kind words, while silently shaking my head and thinking – oh well, he just doesn’t   ’get it’.    This morning, I wondered how many other people just don’t   ‘get it’ – why we feel driven to continue growing Alphabet Theatre.   You see, the AT mission isn’t really to put on a good show (though we DO and you should come and see a performance .   Organizing the Stratford trip is a bonus – an extra pleasure to share with people who mean the world to us.   So, in case you’re wondering what we really DO,   here’s a little list (bonus points to those of you who just started to hum the list song from t

“We gotta get organized We gotta get smart We gotta get our act together Before we start” “Off of the drawing board On to the street Out of the menu stage And into the meat” Harry Chapin wrote those lyrics in 1982. The “sing” to me. It is time for us to get organized or perhaps reorganized and get this theatre company back on its feet and out in the community. It’s been a long summer of wishing and thinking and planning and starting and stopping and starting again and trying to get organized and… Okay you get it. Summers over (almost) and it’s time to either get organized and do a show or cancel and twiddle our thumbs some more. It has become quite apparent that our hearts won't let us miss a show, no matter what our brains may try to tell us. To be honest our brains never had a chance. So we are getting organized and out on the street. We have picked a show (announced in another post very soon), found rehearsal space and we are confident that we will have performa

Alphabet Theatre – is a new start for an old troupe. After 11 seasons and 28 productions, the founders of Mayfield Youth Theatre have decided to move from Mayfield Methodist Church in Chesterland to a new home. Well sort of. As of this date, we are still looking for most things a theatre troupe needs. We need things like rehearsal space, performance space and as with all small (and large) theatre companies – more funding.  What makes us different from other youth theatres?  Unlike other area youth theatres, Alphabet Theatre does not charge participation fees and also has a no cut policy so we find parts for everyone. Yes, everyone.  Able bodied or Differently Abled.  With Jill's background in education and Social and Emotional Learning, we have a good base to serve ALL youth.  Churched or unchurched - you don't have to believe in God, go to church, or any other house of worship:  Here's what we believe.  Everyone is a Child of God and a Person of Worth.  We are cal