Crowded Fire Theater (CFT) is nationally recognized for its development of a diverse and inclusive canon of new plays, while annually supporting approximately 100 local, primarily BIPOC artists. In addition to a flexible season of one-three mainstage shows, we offer a robust new play development program through The Matchbox Commissioning and Development Program. Matchbox actively supports the creation of high quality contemporary theater through commissions, in-house workshops, and an annual free public reading series. We cultivate long-term relationships with playwrights, producing much of the work we commission and develop. Under the umbrella of this program, we develop four-to-six plays a year through Commissions; R&D Lab; Matchbox Reading Series; Production Workshops; Matchbox Productions; and a Playwright-in-Residence. Additional artistic support programs ebb and flow as needs change – recent programming has included Making Good Trouble, a collaborative antiracist train-the-trainers program; the Ignite Fund, supporting the development of local designers and technicians; and a Resident Artist Mentorship Program.

In a normal year, Crowded Fire reaches approximately 2,500 audience members (including at the free Matchbox Readings). Crowded Fire’s readings and shows have become known regionally as an ideal spot to encounter emerging local talent. In addition to high attendance from industry peers and workshops that become full productions at other theaters, Crowded Fire’s staff members are regularly contacted by peers with questions regarding casting, staffing choices, or even career counseling. Crowded Fire is seen as a vital mentorship and referral resource, with extensive connections to diverse, emerging talent as well as to established artists’ organizations. Our playwrights value our experimental directors and designers who embrace the opportunity to think expansively, in spite of our limited resources, often developing visual and aural landscapes that defy traditional theatrical design.