Our Mission

Mission And History

Our Mission

We produce inclusive, accessible and affordable professional theatre and theatre education that entertains, educates and enlightens a diverse group of children, adults, and families.

LTW is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization supported by grants and generous people who appreciate LTW’s Mainstage plays, Children’s Theatre shows for kids, Etcetera Late-Night productions, and a year-round Theatre Education Program for youth.

Live Theatre Workshop is a unique and special theatre. The artists, staff, board, and volunteers come together to create performances and theatre education because we love what we do, and because we want to bring the best theatre to Tucson. We believe that Tucson deserves a thriving theatre scene that is accessible to all who want to participate.

Our Vision

We envision a community where theatre is a valued and popular form of entertainment, education, and enlightenment for a diverse community of children and adults.

As a result of our work, we envision Tucson as a community where:

  • Tucsonans share a lifelong passion for theatre, which they generously support with their philanthropic dollars.
  • Young people have access to robust theatre and theatre education.
  • Live Theatre Workshop is consistently Tucson’s #1 choice for theatre and theatre education.
  • Live Theatre Workshop serves as a national example of how theatre can improve the quality of life in a community and becomes a leader in showcasing Tucson as destination for high-quality, professional theatre.

At Live Theatre Workshop, we believe theatre brings people together in a welcoming, diverse, and creative community. We believe theatre has the power to improve the quality of life, and to transform children, adults, families, and communities.

  • Theatre reflects the community in which it is created, and provides a platform for diverse perspectives. It tells stories that humanize, challenge assumptions, push boundaries, and encourage people to think and grow.
  • Theatre is designed to be shared, and as such should be inclusive, accessible, and affordable. At the same time, theatres should be well-managed, fiscally solvent and sustainable. Donors make theatre possible; their gifts should be valued and stewarded with care.
  • We believe live theatre is a unique form of entertainment. It is active, unpredictable, holistic, and intimate. It is an exchange between and among the artists and the patrons.
  • We believe the arts are a vital component of a healthy society, and that artistic freedom must be cultivated, stewarded and cherished. As artists, we believe we are obligated to use our artistic freedom and talents to improve the quality of life in our community.

We believe it is critically important to pass on our passion for theatre to the next generation; therefore, education is crucial to our mission. Theatre provides young people a means of finding their voice and a safe home for self-expression.

Education Program

Our Theatre Education Program is a safe place for diverse groups of students to express their creativity, learn teamwork, and gain self-confidence and skills that prepare them to be innovative and well-rounded adults. Each year, 600 kids participate in a variety of beginning to advanced performance classes and summer camps.

With the help of outstanding funders, these classes are brought to children who have limited access to theatre education. More than 20 schools are connected to the LTW education program, and $11,000 in scholarships are awarded each year. The program was recognized by the Tucson Pima Arts Council as the Best Arts Education Program in Tucson in 2013 and nominated for a Governor’s Arts Award in 2015.

All of our programs work together year-round to entertain theatre lovers, educate and train theatre artists, and foster a love for the arts. Because art has the power to transform people and communities, LTW uses the performing arts to make a difference and pass on a passion for theatre to the next generation.

Mainstage Theatre

The Mainstage is graced with award-winning artists and up-and-coming talent who create dynamic theatre that makes us laugh, cry, and think—sometimes all at the same time. These shows are attended by more than 14,000 people a year. To ensure that all Tucsonans have a chance to experience live theatre, we have some of the lowest ticket prices in town and offer hundreds of free tickets to organizations and schools across the city.

Children’s Theatre

Our Children’s Theatre program deepens our connection to kids and families by offering interactive musical theatre performances at Live Theatre Workshop and in more than 15 schools across the city. These performances have become a tradition for Tucson families and schools.

Etcetera Late-Night

shows explore avant-garde and new styles of theatre. Original and community-derived works feature local actors and other artists in this unique program. ETCETERA works closely with UA students, high school theatre programs, and cultural organizations to produce an eclectic mix of theatre and music that is relevant to our community.