Welcome to our community,

where every audience member, artist, student, and supporter can experience what’s next in Boston theatre and 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 in part to support from deep partnerships with the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture and the Boston Public Library, 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!

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 CHUANG Stage & Company One Theatre co-production

May 16 – 24, 2025
Boston Center for the Arts, Plaza Theatre

May 29 – June 1, 2025
Pao Arts Center

While his mother strugles to earn money in New York City 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 undocumented 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 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.

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.

Boston Chinatown: Stories on Our Streets

produced by CHUANG Stage in partnership with Company One Theatre

June 28, 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

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.

Open Writes

C1’s Virtual Open Writes are free Saturday morning workshops for all writers and theatremakers focused on new work. Led by C1 Resident Playwright Kirsten Greenidge, each session includes special guests facilitating creative productivity and discussions on how to actively enhance your  creative practices.

Join us on Zoom from 11am – 1pm!

>> October 19, 2024
>> November 16, 2024
>> January 18, 2025
>> February 15, 2025
>> April 19, 2025
>> July 19, 2025

Professional Development for Actors

Calling all actors! Our PDA course provides an accessible alternative to expensive theatre classes for adults of all experience to hone their craft through in-depth character script analysis and monologue work, preparing for future auditions and roles.

Important PDA Dates

>> Auditions: Tuesday, February 18

>> Classes: Every Monday from March 18 – May 5

>> Showcase Performance: Tuesday, May 13

Interested in our 2025 session? Email training@companyone.org!

Stage One Workshops

Our Stage One programming focuses on developing authentic relationships with and among young people and early-career artists, fostering a sence of belonging where they are encouraged to access their voices and express themselves.

Hype Man: Anti Racism

Catalyzes important conversations around identity, privelege, and racism.

Developing Changemakres

Guides young people in creating original artistic work addressing social justice issues.

Activate Your Voice

Leads students through the creation of a collaborative spoken word piece focused on identity and belonging.

Step Into Your Power

Helps students articulate their strengths, build confidence, and develop advocacy skills in various workplace scenarios.

Do you know a group of young people that might be interested in one of our workshops? Email stageone@companyone.org to learn more!

Co-Lab

Co-Lab (formerly Volt Lab) invites early career playwrights, dramaturgs, directors, and designers to create and develop work in community. This cohort of theatremakers will meet over several months to dream, write, devise, rewrite, and develop pieces both collaboratively and individually, culminating in a community play slam.

Save the date for our Co-Lab in-person cumulative showcase!
Saturday, June 7, 2025, Location TBA

Branch Out with C1

Produced in collaboration with our community partners, Branch Out with C1 workshops are joyful, intergenerational spaces where you can bring a friend, make a friend, and share a creative experience in community! Dive deeper into the ways our onstage work connects to Boston’s neighborhoods, and have some afternoon fun with hands-on activities, pop up performances, and curated conversations that pair perfectly with one of our production matinees.

Teen Night Out

TNO is made for teens, by teens! Led by C1’s Bloomberg Art Interns, TNO offers Boston youth an invitation to interact with theatre on their own terms with pre-show activities to inspire creativity, and post-show discussions to explore themes of each production in conversation with community partners and cast members.