Quick Links: Productions | Connectivity | PlayLab Circuit | Stage One
Welcome to our community,
where every audience member, artist, student, and supporter can experience what’s next in Boston theatre while also having the opportunity to fight for social justice. That’s the C1 way.
In our disruptive and catalytic 26th season, we’re inviting old friends and new connections alike to show up, show out, and COME TOGETHER. Whether protesting in the street or sharing a meal at home, the past few years have highlighted the power of community connection. As Boston’s Theatre for the People, we believe that same connection belongs in the theatre. All of our mainstage shows and community events this year are celebrations of the power of collective action. We are excited to gather together in these special spaces with YOU, as we try to change the world together, one unmissable theatrical event at a time.
Thanks to support from partners like the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, the Boston Public Library, the Mellon Foundation and the Barr Foundation, as well as the generosity of audience members like you, this is our sixth season in a row where all plays and events are fully Pay-What-You-Want. This means that anyone can become part of our community for free. As we continue to build the future of American theatre, we hope that others will start to adopt this tried-and-true model of Public Art for Public Good.
Our lobbies are gathering spaces. Our box office lines are reunions. Each event is an opportunity to weave yourself into the fabric of Boston’s soul. We’re so happy that you’re a part of our C1 family, and we can’t wait to COME TOGETHER with you at the next event!
PRODUCTIONS
Haunted
written and directed by Tara Moses
dramaturgy by Quita Sullivan
produced in partnership with the Boston Public Library
January 24 – February 15, 2025
Rabb Hall, Boston Public Library’s Central Library in Copley Square
Ash and Aaron have been dead for twenty years, and the Indigenous siblings pass their time dancing to Britney Spears, haunting the families that try to move into their house, and wondering if they’ll ever be free from the shackles of racist stereotypes. As the cycle begins once more, the siblings ask: will they ever make it to the Spirit World? An Indigenous horror comedy with the coolest Y2K hits, Tara Moses’ Haunted forces us to confront the very land we walk on and our relationship (or lack thereof) with Native communities today.
Learning How to Read by Moonlight
a new play by Gaven D. Trinidad
directed by Natsu Onoda Power
a co-production with CHUANG Stage
May 16 – 24, 2025
Boston Center for the Arts, Plaza Theatre
May 29 – June 1, 2025
Pao Arts Center
While his mother prays to Santo Niño and his father waits alone in Manila for their daily phone calls, six-year-old Eddie learns English from his imaginary friend. Between the War on Drugs in the Philippines and the anti-immigrant movement in the United States threatening their humanity, will this family be able to pursue their dreams and address unspoken truths? A musical and multilingual journey of childlike wonder, Gaven D. Trinidad’s Learning How to Read by Moonlight is equal parts playful, poignant, and hella Pinoy.
A New Era
a new play by Miranda ADEkoje
directed by Summer L. Williams
produced in partnership with Plays in Place, the National Parks Service, and the City of Boston’s Office of Arts & Culture
July 18 – August 9, 2025
The Strand Theatre
With liberation and Black Lives at stake, seven phenomenal leaders gathered for the First National Conference of Colored Women right here in Boston on July 31, 1895. Can they get in formation to navigate political divides in the fight to criminalize lynching, and will their ancestors carry on their legacy 130 years later? Miranda ADEkoje uncovers a powerful story of politics, passion, and perseverance with A New Era, a celebration of Boston’s Black feminist history and everliving presence.
BETTER FUTURE SERIES
Celebrate the power of collective action with creativity and joy! C1’s Better Future Series brings together and activates Boston’s artists, community leaders, policymakers, and residents at free all-ages events in order to understand the needs of our neighborhoods and reimagine a better future for our city. Whether you come to one event or all four, it’s a space to have fun, dream big, and bring your voice to the City’s doorstep!
Your Vote, Our Future: A Get-Out-The-Vote Block Party
October 5, 2024
Have fun with C1 and friends as you gear up for election day! Come craft your very own lawn signs and buttons to celebrate the causes you care about most, write letters to motivate swing state voters, and create tokens of appreciation for poll workers, all while DJ WhySham spins some tunes! Participants can also get resources for what’s on this year’s ballot, and register to vote or become a poll volunteer. Free food and materials will be provided!
Whether you’re a future voter or a seasoned advocate, this all-ages event is for anyone who’s passionate about making their voice heard. Get ready to turnout and turn up at the polls this fall!
Stitching Our Future: A Community Craft Circle for Reproductive Justice
February 8, 2025
Join C1 and friends for a cozy afternoon of community crafts centered around reproductive justice! Knit and tie blankets for women in need and create your own body positive zine, while some of our event partners share stories about their work here in Boston and beyond. Whether you’re an experienced crafter or a brand new beginner, you’ll learn something new, create something tangible for those in need, and deepen your understanding of reproductive justice in a supportive and inclusive environment! All ages and skill levels are welcome, and free food and materials will be provided.
Nourishing Our Future: A Delicious Exploration of Food Justice
April 5, 2025
Join us for hands on activities and learn more about creative ways to take action in your community! More details and partners will be announced soon.
Our Future Looks Bright: An End of School Year Celebration
June 28, 2025
Join us for hands on activities and learn more about creative ways to take action in your community! More details and partners will be announced soon.
PLAYS IN DEVELOPMENT
Join us for workshop readings of two new plays by C1 resident artists! Each reading will be followed by a reception and conversation with the creative team where audience members are encouraged to provide feedback and get involved in the artistic process.
Boston Chinatown: Stories on Our Streets
produced by CHUANG Stage in partnership with Company One Theatre
June 21, 2025
Chinatown Gate
Based on the community engagement and oral history work done by C1’s artists, PlayLab alumni, and frequent collaborators of the 2021 Boston Chinatown Musical, this new musical uplifts Chinatown’s history, vibrancy, and perseverance in the face of gentrification and racial violence.
The Lot Next Door
a new play by the Dorchester Weather Theatre Collective
July 28 – August 2, 2025
Crossroads of Woodrow Ave and Norfolk St
Produced and devised in collaboration with a community of local neighborhood artists and activists, The Lot Next Door explores issues and dynamics at the intersection of community development, environmental justice, and social resilience through the retelling of a true story in which residents fight a proposed development lot on the corner of Woodrow Ave and Norfolk St in Dorchester.
STAGE ONE
C1’s Stage One programming focuses on developing authentic relationships with, and among, young people and early career artists, fostering a sense of belonging where they are encouraged to access their voices and express themselves.
In-School Residencies
Theatre Elective Residencies
Classes for grades 9-12 designed to center the stories and experiences of young people of color, with a focus on personal and social development skills.
Theatre Integration Residencies
Theatre instruction supporting multilingual learners ages 11-22 develop their voices through literacy and creative development.
After-School Residencies
Programs for grades 6-8, helping students develop their creative voices by creating original work meaningful to their communities.
Anti-Racism Residencies
Short-term residencies designed to engage young people and educators in conversations about racism and injustice.
Youth Matinees
Each of our productions in Season 25 will feature morning performances exclusively for youth and student groups. These performances include a post-show discussion with actors and members of the creative team. Curriculum guides are provided to use for debriefing and deepening the learning around the show’s themes.
For more information, email boxoffice@companyone.org
Professional Development for Actors (PDA)
The Professional Development for Actors course provides a low cost alternative to expensive theatre classes offered by higher education institutions. Stage One aims to bridge the wealth gap often associated with training in the arts. Performers will hone their craft across eight weeks through in-depth character script analysis and monologue work, preparing for future auditions and roles. The course culminates in a public, in-person showcase.
Spring 2024 PDA Important Dates
>> Auditions: Tuesday, April 2
>> Classes: Every Tuesday from April 30 – June 18, 6:30-9:30pm
>> Showcase Dress Rehearsal: Monday, June 24
>> Showcase Performance: Tuesday, June 25
Interested in our Spring 2024 session? Email training@companyone.org!
Teen Internship Program
C1’s Teen Internships provides opportunities for leadership and work experience in a community arts setting. Teens learn literacy skills, college and career readiness skills, and changemaker skills.
“Without knowing it, you help[ed] me believe in myself and give me confidence…Because of you I’m not afraid anymore to make my voice my strongest weapon.”
– Former teen intern Lucy Jura