Grantee Database
ALTERNATIVE THEATER ENSEMBLE
Grant Year
2023-24
Grant Program
General Operating Support
Award Amount
$54,998.00
Project Description
With support from CAC, AlterTheater aims to leverage its 18 year legacy of empowering historically underrepresented theater artists and engaging the community through its key initiatives: AlterLab and our Mainstage Producing Program. This year we’re supporting seven diverse playwrights, encompassing identities such as Native (Pueblo, Dińe, Nez Perce), African American, Latinx, Queer, and more. As we navigate the pandemic recovery process, our priority lies in carefully reintroducing local, in-person programs, including our community listening sessions. Amidst the departure of co-founder Jeanette Harrision, AlterTheater is undergoing a significant transformation, and the grant funds sought will play a pivotal role in our journey toward establishing a more sustainable organization with enduring relationships and meaningful community engagement throughout the year.
Organization Summary
Alternative Theater Ensemble provides new play development and production programs and services, produces contemporary works from diverse voices, and serves predominantly low-income audiences with these programs and services.
In 2011, we started our flagship yearlong playwright residency program, AlterLab, supporting 3-5 writers as each self-identifies a creative risk or challenge they wish to take with their work, supports their fellow playwrights, and writes a new play. Alter Theater historically produces on average 75% of all work created and developed in AlterLab.
Our Mainstage Tour program has produced more than 20 world premieres and our commissioning program has been operating since 2008. Adam Greenfield, associate artistic director of Playwrights Horizons, says of AlterLab, “Each play tells such a specific, and underrepresented, story with a unique and glowing voice.”
Alternative Theater Ensemble prioritizes meeting communities where they are and adapting theatrical frameworks to their needs. Our shift in focus from traditional theatre productions to applied theatre models reflects ATE’s commitment to responding to the industry’s evolving landscape and supporting communities across the Bay Area through art.
Organization
AlterTheater
Address
PO BOX 150659
SAN RAFAEL
94915-0659
County
Marin
Region
Bay Area – Other
Phone
(510) 708-7388
Congressional District
California's 2nd congressional district
State Assembly District
District 10
State Senate District
District 2
