With support from the California Arts Council, Empire Arts Collective will continue to empower hundreds of Sacramento performers of all abilities to step on a stage for the first or 500th time. Our proven theatre, improv comedy, and arts incubation programs use a holistic approach that differs from traditional theatre and is particularly effective at building community and welcoming people as their whole creative selves. We pass on the financial help and use our resources in three ways: keeping costs down for participants and patrons; paying for personnel and materials to create joyful, inclusive, and unique art experiences; and investing in art incubator projects with the potential to grow and reach more audiences than our own. We are committed to offering and expanding our joyful creative play and community-building in classes, programs, and performances.
Mainstage
Our primary program for developing performing artists through full-scale productions. Mainstage projects bring together performers, directors, designers, and crew in a structured, collaborative process that builds skill, expands range, and deepens artistic voice. Each project culminates in a public run, but the focus is on the growth of the artists involved and the stories they are equipped to tell, with an emphasis on LGBTQ+, QTBIPOC, disabled, and neurodivergent perspectives.
Education
Classes, workshops, and hands-on training for designers and technical artists, including lighting, scenic design, costumes, makeup, stage combat, and special effects. Education programs are built to expand access, build practical skills, and support artists at different stages of experience.
Original Works
Artist-driven projects focused on the creation and development of new, original material. This program supports playwrights, directors, and interdisciplinary artists in building work outside traditional production structures, with space to experiment, collaborate, and refine ideas. Projects may take many forms, from devised theatre and solo work to cross-disciplinary performances and one-off presentations.
Community Events
Low-pressure gatherings that keep artists connected between productions and training programs. These events create space for relationship-building, creative exchange, and community support without the demands of a formal production process.