A Message from the Phoenix

Phoenix Theatre Ensemble was founded in 2004 by five long-time collaborators – Craig Smith, Elise Stone, Michael Surabian, Angela Madden, and Rachel Crowl. Joined by Amy Wagner in 2006, and by Joe Menino, Kathy Menino, Brian Costello, and Kelli Holsopple in 2009, the Co-Artistic Directors share a combined experience of 100+ years, onstage and backstage, presenting new and classic works in the tradition of repertory ensemble. The artists of the Phoenix are dedicated to promoting an ensemble-driven theatre where actors, directors, playwrights, and designers are all equal collaborators in the creative process. As an artist-directed company, the Phoenix places its decision-making power in the hands of the artists.

We are committed to putting our resources toward the art and artists, first and foremost.

Like the Phoenix of mythology, we established Phoenix Theatre Ensemble as a way for us to re-create ourselves, and to set out in new, vital, and exciting directions. We bring to the Phoenix our belief in the value of an artistic home that honors, celebrates, and mines the experiences of our individual members by creating new vision through collaboration. In presenting new and classic works that tell great stories, explore the human condition, and advance social justice, we emphasize our belief that theatre has the power to transfix and transform us, one story at a time. And with our unique outreach and educational programming, we hope that the Phoenix can provide new opportunities for our whole community to soar.