I AM THEATRE

Theatre-makers tell stories, but too often, their own stories — the victories, heartbreaks, spectacular hilarity and transformational moments — go untold. To celebrate TCG's 50th anniversary, and continue our mission to strengthen, nurture and promote not-for-profit theatre, we're launching a global initiative to spotlight the stories of theatre practitioners in their own words: I AM THEATRE.

I AM THEATRE captures pivotal moments in the lives of theatre-makers in an online video series, beginning on July 14th and continuing each week for the next 50 weeks. This project will raise awareness for the theatre field and champion the diverse group of people who are creating, supporting, and engaging with theatre.

But we can't do it alone.

YOU ARE THEATRE

You are stage managers, artistic directors, playwrights, managing and executive directors, company managers, actors, designers, development, marketing and public relations staff, production managers, education leaders, funders, critics, board members, audience members and much more.

We want to hear your stories! We've only begun with 50 individuals in the hopes their videos will inspire you to share your own unique experiences in theatre. Now is the time to stand up and be heard, to represent the communities you live in and the work you believe in, and to record your own stories so the world can hear you say: I AM THEATRE.

Here's how it works: TCG created an I AM THEATRE YouTube channel. You can upload your video right through the TCG website and read additional instructions here. We will review your submission and post it on the I AM THEATRE YouTube channel, which is linked to the I AM THEATRE campaign page on tcg.org.

It's that easy to join. But why should you participate?

WE ARE THEATRE

Today, not-for-profit professional theatres in the U.S. employ 130,000 people annually, inspire more than 30 million attendees and contribute $2 billion directly to the U.S. economy.

I AM THEATRE asks, "what if thousands of theatre artists across the world posted their own video testimonies of why theatre matters?" How might that transform communities' awareness of our work? How might that shift the conversation of funding? Could this project ignite a groundswell to move theatre back to the center of our culture?

The answer to these big questions begins with small steps. Please share the stories we've recorded, and we'll share the videos you make, and together we'll testify in a voice that everyone will hear...

I AM THEATRE. YOU ARE THEATRE. WE ARE THEATRE.

Click here to submit your own video and join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter @TCG #IAMTHEATRE.

Videos by MOPED Productions, LLC.