“…I cried as I always do when watching the world change right before my eyes. I don’t believe in miracles, so I’m looking for another word to describe what I saw.”

Review of “America Through the Looking Glass”

Ordinary People Creating Extraordinary Theatre
There is no cultural arts program in Greater Cleveland like Near West Theatre (NWT).  Based in the Ohio City neighborhood, it has a unique identity as a grassroots, intergenerational theatre with an emphasis on serving youth.

Mission Statement
Near West Theatre, through the theatre arts, delivers an inclusive, self-esteem building process that results in high-quality theatre productions and programming that help build Cleveland's Near West Side and surrounding neighborhoods; educates and raises awareness around issues of social justice, discrimination, and stigma; and provides people of all ages with the ability to nurture their sense of identity and strengthen their purpose as individuals and as a community.

Philosophy
The soul of Near West Theatre is belief in the healing, transformative power of the theatrical arts. The personal and communal growth possible when participating in an acting, singing, dancing ensemble is most fully realized with both skilled leadership and loving collaboration.

Values
Accessibility* ~ Openness, affordability, acknowledgement of disabilities and special needs, inclusion, comfortable and safe emotional and physical space.

Collaboration ~ Mutuality and partnership in all areas of the organization, both internal and external.

Diversity ~ Differences in race, culture, economic background, sexual orientation, spirituality, age, skill, mental health, physical ability, and size.

Financial Stability ~ Shared organizational responsibility for adequate and consistent revenue.

Professionalism ~ Proficiency, accountability, dedication, and commitment to developing individual areas of expertise.

Quality ~ Products and processes consonant with our mission that value and meet our stakeholders' needs and participation.

Artistic Direction
Working to create community in a world of disconnection, the family of Near West involves people from all walks of life, rich and poor, young and old, big and small, gay and straight, welcoming people of every background, age, shape and color to create something truly unique.

Participants are encouraged to take risks, encounter truths, confront struggles and discover who they are.  Through a process of self-discovery and sharing, lives are changed, thoughts and beliefs are reshaped, and spirit is harnessed to create large scale, engaging productions.

Through a challenging journey of self-awareness and encouragement, NWT creates affordable, high-quality theatre filled with depth and passion.

Professional direction—musical, choreographic and technical—are NWT hallmarks. Orchestras consist of established and emerging professional musicians. NWT’s staff includes a salaried artistic director, technical director and choreographer. Contractual stage management, costuming, properties, sound and lighting experts are engaged for each production. These individuals work with a corps of teens, teaching skills that often induce young people to pursue an aspect of theatre as they move on to educational opportunities.

While actors are not paid, NWT attracts accomplished professionals to its stage who work alongside novices for performances of high artistic integrity and raw passion.

“The result is a spectacular visual display. The choreography…is top-rate and is propelled by the exuberance of the cast… Collectively, the cast is passionate and forceful. The actors and actresses function as a coherent unit and they really seem to enjoy what they’re doing… I think I could attend every show and see something new each night.”

Happenings, a WestLIFE publication

*Near West Theatre is housed in St. Patrick's Club Building on the 3rd floor which is not accessible to persons with disabilities (there is no elevator or chair lift). However, NWT is engaged in a process to build an accessible theatre in the Gordon Square Arts District at West 67th & Detroit. The conceptual design for the new building is completed, and the capital campaign is underway.

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