The Invisible Theatre (IT,) celebrating its 50th anniversary, is a nonprofit arts organization, started in downtown Tucson in 1971 by a group of local playwrights to produce new plays and readings and to encourage local arts professionals to share their craft. Five years later, IT moved to its current location, which has 80 seats in an intimate setting that connects with the invisible energy between the performers and audience. IT has now expanded to include adaptations of classics and current off-Broadway plays and musicals, as well as locally produced plays and readings. Under the leadership of Managing Artistic Director Susan Claassen and Associate Artistic Director James Blair, IT is strongly committed to community service and outreach programs. The seasons include six-play main stage productions; student/senior matinees; unique special events; one-on-one dialogues with local professional artists; educational tours; Project Pastime, an award-winning educational theatre program for mentally/physically challenged youth; and seminars that encourage community dialogue. The intimate setting of our 80-seat venue is a powerful feature of Invisible Theatre’s productions; our theatre creates a strong relationship between our audience and performers. Our artistic partnerships have included collaborations with internationally recognized artists who may not otherwise have performed in Tucson (Emmy-nominated John Amos, Oscar-nominated Lynn Redgrave, and Golden Globe winner Amanda McBroom, to name a few). Through student matinees and intergenerational discounts, IT is committed to providing underserved populations with access to the theatre. Our artistic ensemble brings a wealth of diverse experience that culminates in programming that brings a broad spectrum of populations together through the magic of live theatre. This collaborative, multifaceted approach broadens our audience and deepens participation. It is the programming that is a magnet for community support. IT offers tremendous diversity, reflecting unique stories that celebrate shared recognition of the human spirit. Our season includes themes that appeal to different cultures in the community. One season ticket holder wrote, “Invisible Theatre provides a safe environment for us to experience things we do not see in our everyday life.”

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