15 Years of Mainstages: Evolving Our Vision for a Creative Future

Reflecting on 15 Years: A Journey of Evolution and Vision

As I sit down to reflect on the past 15 years of mainstages, I am struck by the whirlwind of changes our company has undergone. From navigating a global pandemic to evolving in countless ways, our journey has been nothing short of transformative. As we celebrate this milestone, we find ourselves focusing on refining our vision for the future.

Shifting Focus to What We Do Best

In our early years, we primarily focused on production programs featuring recognizable musicals. These programs allowed children to shine in the spotlight and work hard to create something they could share with pride, building confidence and joy. However, we soon realized that the challenges of running musical production programs often exceeded the rewards. Attendance and commitment levels have shifted, with children’s schedules becoming more packed than ever. Programs requiring consistent attendance and independent study are no longer as feasible as they once were.

Moreover, we strive to make our programs accessible, and the ever-increasing costs associated with production programs—royalties, costumes, and multiple facilitators—often exceeded the budgets of families. Consequently, this upcoming year, we will not be offering year-round musical production programs with our school partners. Instead, we will focus on our workshop and showcase programs, which have proven to be more sustainable, cost-effective, and impactful. Our Triple Threat Academy Showcase program, for instance, accommodates a broad range of ages and allows participants to work towards a culminating performance that families can engage with, all while ensuring maximum participation and enjoyment. These programs foster collaboration, equitable roles, and give participants the freedom to make characters their own, enhancing their creative expression.

Adapting to a Changing World

Watching mainstages evolve through dynamic leadership, a pandemic, and the ensuing social-emotional changes in children has been incredibly rewarding. The world today is inundated with so much information that things can feel consistently chaotic. Now more than ever, people need to feel supported, seen, and heard. According to the New York City Arts Blueprint, arts education plays a crucial role in developing social-emotional skills in children. Since the pandemic, we have introduced an annual theme that underpins everything we do. This year, our theme of resilience mirrors our own journey from a seasonal sleepaway camp theater program to a nationwide company with 41 employees. On a larger scale, it addresses the essential needs of the children we serve, creating an environment where creativity, free thinking, and comfort thrive regardless of race, gender, language, or economic background.

Our curriculum, staff, subject matter, and objectives have all evolved to reflect and build upon these values. Our performances now encompass diverse backgrounds, our teachers speak multiple languages, and our trivia and media questions include multilingual components. We emphasize and teach about indigenous cultures, recognizing the rich tapestry that makes up the United States. Research from NYC’s arts education studies indicates that inclusive and culturally responsive education significantly enhances students’ engagement and learning outcomes.

Expanding Our Audience

Our journey began 15 years ago as a “theater in a box” for sleepaway camps, primarily catering to the 9 to 13 age group. Over time, we expanded our offerings to include interactive performances for children aged 3 to 8, broadening our reach into day camps and community events. Today, age-appropriate programming for all ages—from preschoolers to high school students—has become a core element of our mission and vision. As we approach our 15th year, we are excited to extend our impact to adults as well. Recognizing that our teaching artists and performers are adults, and that families actively participate in our performances and programs, we are deepening our focus on creating meaningful experiences for parents and adults. Educational theater has never been just for children; it is also a powerful tool for adults to learn about different cultures, navigate emotional processes, and connect with others in profound, interactive ways. We are thrilled to fulfill this need and enrich the lives of parents and adults through our programs.

Creating Fun and Lasting Memories(What's Super Important)

At the heart of everything we do, let’s not forget that we create fun! mainstages has always been an escape—a high-energy, interactive extravaganza that gets kids excited and engaged. The effort we put into making our work seamless ensures that children experience the magic without noticing the behind-the-scenes details. Our refinements, developed over thousands of experiences, have shaped us into the vibrant, dynamic company we are today. Yes, we are growing to be more intentional and maximize our impact, but that doesn’t mean it has to be dull or boring. We believe in laughing through pain and uncomfortable situations, as humor is healing. We won’t shy away from hard topics but will address them the mainstages way—through fun, empathy, and joy.

As we look ahead to the future, we remain committed to evolving, reflecting, and refining our vision. Here’s to another 15 years of creativity, joy, and unforgettable experiences with mainstages.