o Provides world-class entertainment and small-town hospitality
o Produces innovative work and creates a nurturing atmosphere for artists where experimentation and exploration are encouraged and supported
o Presents thought-provoking productions that illuminate issues of relevance to our local community and to the world, and does so with artistry and imagination
o Strives to fulfill the artistic potential of each individual production or program
o Engages audiences in a dialogue about the themes and issues of the art
o Creates relationships with our audience and community that extend beyond the stage
o Seeks opportunities for collaboration with community organizations and with theatres throughout the nation and internationally
o Fosters a supportive environment where all employees, volunteers and artists can do their best work
o Operates in a manner that is fiscally responsible and represents “best practices” managerially and operationally
Artistic
o To provide our region’s residents with intellectually stimulating, emotionally powerful theatre
o To mount professional productions which celebrate the human spirit through the power of language and the art of storytelling
o To present thought-provoking plays and musicals which illuminate issues of relevance to our local community and to the world; and to do so with artistry and imagination
o To provide a nurturing environment for the development of new works, thereby drawing regional and national attention to the City and County of Ventura
o To develop a core acting ensemble of artists who share a common artistic vision and process
o To create a rehearsal atmosphere where experimentation and exploration are supported
o To use physical space and technical elements in a surprising and compelling way to communicate ideas and awaken the senses of attendees and participants
o To present a balanced season of musicals, comedies and dramas selected from the following repertoires:
Community
o To engage in lively discussion and stimulating dialogue with the community about the artistic process and product.
o To collaborate with other not-for-profit organizations and agencies in the community, sharing resources and information.
o To work with local businesses and government agencies to increase tourism and economic development by actively promoting Ventura as a thriving cultural arts destination.
Educational
o To serve students of all ages with after-school, weekend and summer theatre programs
o To expose high school students to the excitement of live theatre through special matinee performances, study guides and post-play discussions
o To provide practical intern opportunities for credit in all facets of the theatre: playwriting, dramaturgy, acting, directing, design, technical theatre and administration (management, producing, marketing, public relations, promotions and fundraising)