Specialties
Stages presents a broad scope of plays and musicals in an intimate setting, creating powerful connections between plays and people. Our theatre experiences range from jukebox musicals and family entertainment to world premieres and new plays by emerging writers. The common link throughout Stages' work is a focus on sharing compelling human stories in intimate performance spaces that allow audiences to connect with both the art on stage and the people who help create it.
Almost all of Stages' shows are rehearsed and constructed on-site in Houston, brought to life by an exceptional community of locally-based artists and craftspeople along with occasional guest directors, actors and designers from around the world. For more than a decade Stages has made a strong investment in nurturing emerging artists and administrators who have now become field leaders and working professionals in companies around the country.
Stages' learning opportunities include our student matinee series, performance and production internship programs for college students and a conservatory each summer for middle and high school students. Through our community engagement initiatives, during the 2018-2019 Season nearly 20% of Stages audiences will experience our work free of charge through programs like free performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre and our Sin Muros Theatre Festival, a four-day celebration of Latina/o voices and stories reflecting Texas's diverse communities.
History
Established in 1978.
Stages presents a broad scope of plays and musicals in an intimate setting, creating powerful connections between plays and people. Our theatre experiences range from jukebox musicals and family entertainment to world premieres and new plays by emerging writers. The common link throughout Stages' work is a focus on sharing compelling human stories in intimate performance spaces that allow audiences to connect with both the art on stage and the people who help create it.
Almost all of Stages' shows are rehearsed and constructed on-site in Houston, brought to life by an exceptional community of locally-based artists and craftspeople along with occasional guest directors, actors and designers from around the world. For more than a decade Stages has made a strong investment in nurturing emerging artists and administrators who have now become field leaders and working professionals in companies around the country.
Meet the Manager: Kenn M.
Kenn McLaughlin joined Stages as Managing Director in 2001 and became Producing Artistic Director in 2007. Under Kenn's leadership, Stages has strengthened its commitment to sustainable innovation through projects such as producing the first American regional theatre production of Stephen Sondheim's latest musical, 'Road Show'; re-envisioning classics like 'Auntie Mame' and 'Veronica's Room' with bold new productions; commissioning and developing a series of Panto holiday musicals for family audiences; and presenting the annual "Get Talking" series showcasing the talents of America's most fascinating contemporary playwrights, including Will Eno, Sarah Ruhl, Yasmina Reza, Philip Dawkins, Matthew Lopez, Johnna Adams, Julia Cho and Rebecca Gilman. During his tenure at Stages, Kenn has produced over 100 shows, directed more than 25, and written or co-written 3. Prior to his arrival at Stages, Kenn spent 11 years as an arts educator at Great Lakes Theater Festival in Cleveland.