Mission Statement:

Near West Theatre builds loving relationships and engages diverse people in strengthening their sense of identity, passion, and purpose, individually and in community, through transformational theatre arts experiences. 

History

Near West Theatre provokes theatre through a process that is intense, challenging and transforming for participants and audience alike. People from all walks of life come together to be challenged, by sharing their unique life stories and experiences, to find their own voices and to make personal connections with the production. Through this sometimes rugged and ragged process, people not only discover themselves in new ways but also relate to each other through the medium of theatre. Connections are made. Community is formed. The result is authentic, raw and passionate theatre.

Since its inception, more than 15,000 children, teens and adults have been impacted on stage or behind the scenes at NWT. Over 92,000 audience members have experienced the transformational impact of the Theatre. All participants are encouraged regardless of skill level or economic status. In addition to providing audiences with professional caliber, dynamic performances of full-scale Broadway musicals throughout each season, NWT provides technical and performance training to those who participate—entirely free of charge.