Chance Theater

Chance Theater Annual Programming

ANNUAL SEASON PROGRAMMING: Chance Theater presents a dynamic season of intimate, award-winning productions from January through December. With both Subscription Memberships and single tickets available, audiences can experience a diverse lineup of performances, including plays that typically run 4-5 weeks and musicals that extend to 5-6 weeks, with shows from Thursday through Sunday. Each season features a Main Series of four to five plays and musicals, two Theatre for Young Audiences productions, and a Holiday production. Staged in the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center’s 150-seat flexible Cripe Stage and 50-seat proscenium Fyda-Mar Stage, our productions highlight regional and world premieres, reimagined classics, and stories that amplify diverse voices. We embrace immersive storytelling, often transforming our spaces to create unique audience experiences that foster deeper connections between patrons, artists, and the work itself. Chance Theater is dedicated to presenting bold and thought-provoking regional premieres. Recent highlights include "Gloria" by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, a darkly comedic look at office politics; Ride the Cyclone, a quirky and heartfelt musical; "The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity" by Kristoffer Diaz, a sharp satire on professional wrestling and cultural stereotypes; and "Sweat" by Lynn Nottage, a searing exploration of working-class struggles. Our Holiday Literature Series rotates classic literary adaptations every four years, bringing to life beloved stories such as Emma, Anne of Green Gables, Little Women, and The Secret Garden, creating a festive and enriching tradition for families. The Theatre for Young Audiences Series offers professional productions designed to inspire and educate young audiences. Each season includes at least one Relaxed Performance, ensuring accessibility for neurodiverse individuals, including those with Autism Spectrum Conditions, sensory and communication disorders, or learning disabilities. NEW WORKS PROGRAMMING: One of Chance Theater’s core strategies for community engagement is its unwavering commitment to producing fresh, contemporary stories. Since 1999, we have produced 32 world premieres and 70 regional premieres, with a particular focus on supporting new voices and stories that resonate with today’s audiences. Our On the Radar (OTR) New Works Program exemplifies this mission by providing established and emerging playwrights with access to a supportive community of artists and audiences, encouraging them to explore creative boundaries in a transformational environment that fosters artistic growth. The OTR program includes staged readings, workshops, and a Resident Playwright initiative, all designed to serve as incubators for U.S. playwrights. A standout feature is the two-week LAB workshop, which pairs writers with directors, dramaturgs, actors, and audiences to refine their work through iterative rehearsals and post-performance feedback. Unlike many programs, OTR offers playwrights the freedom to explore their material without commercial constraints, empowering them to focus on crafting compelling stories that resonate deeply. This dedication to new work has led to remarkable achievements for both playwrights and the Chance Theater. For example: – Dustin H. Chinn’s "Colonialism is Terrible, But Phở is Delicious": Developed as a reading at Chance Theater, this play enjoyed a three-theater rolling world premiere (2022–2023) with Aurora Theatre Company (Berkeley) and Oregon Contemporary Theatre (Eugene). – Keiko Green’s "The Bed Trick": Following its 2022 reading at Chance Theater, the play had its world premiere at Seattle Shakespeare Company. – Jessica Huang’s "Transmissions in Advance of the Second Great Dying": After its workshop at Chance, this play was further developed at Juilliard. – Nick Jones’ "Verite": Premiered at Lincoln Center’s LCT3 after initial development at Chance Theater. – Adam Szymkowicz’s "Nerve": Gained critical acclaim in Los Angeles and New York following its debut at the Chance. World Premieres Originating at Chance Theater: – Marshall Pailet’s "Loch Ness": Premiered at Chance Theater and later featured at the Adirondack Theatre Festival. His earlier work, “Who’s Your Baghdaddy?”, received a New York Times Critic’s Pick and was made available on BroadwayHD. – Lauren Yee’s "Samsara": Published by Samuel French after its 2016 Chance production, cementing Yee’s connection to the Southern California theater community. – Jenny Connell Davis’s "Matinicus: The Story of Abigail Burgess": The first Chance-commissioned play to achieve a world premiere. - Adam Szymkowicz’s play “Such Small Hands” will be making its world premiere at the Chance in 2025 after having a workshop in 2023. Impact of "On the Radar" (OTR) Program: OTR serves as a creative laboratory for playwrights, pairing them with directors, dramaturgs, and actors for a two-week LAB workshop that culminates in staged readings with feedback from live audiences. Since the pandemic, we have premiered three world premieres developed through OTR, including a Chance commission and a play evolved during the shutdown. A Regional Hub for New Work: Less than an hour south of Los Angeles, Chance Theater plays a vital role in Orange County’s cultural landscape. As one of the few local theaters investing significantly in artists and new works, we provide a platform for bold storytelling that addresses contemporary themes. Our location in a suburban region not traditionally associated with artistic innovation makes this work even more essential. Orange County needs spaces like the Chance, which bring new voices to the stage and actively contribute to the national theater ecosystem. Our 2025 season exemplifies this ethos with the world premiere of “Such Small Hands” by Adam Szymkowicz, developed at the Chance through a 2023 workshop and reading. Other projects include new works from Resident Playwright Benjamin Benne, staged readings by Keiko Green and Ravi Kapoor, and a playwriting commission awarded to Joanna Garner. For over two decades, the Chance has built an enduring community dedicated to advancing the creative process, producing vital new works, and exploring the emotional truth of the human experience through live theater. EDUCATIONAL & OUTREACH PROGRAMMING: For nearly two decades, Chance Theater has been a beacon for arts education and community engagement, empowering individuals from underserved and marginalized communities to share their stories and connect with others through the transformative power of theater. From at-risk teens and veterans to individuals on the Autism Spectrum, our programs provide a safe space for participants to “speak up” about their experiences, fostering greater understanding and empathy within our community. These initiatives are made possible thanks to the generous support of partners like the California Arts Council, Richard Nixon Library, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Bowers Museum, Orange County Community Foundation, Orange County Asperger’s Support Group, Boys and Girls Club of Anaheim, Anaheim Assistance League, Anaheim Community Foundation, Kiwanis Club of Greater Anaheim, and Anaheim Hills Rotary. Importantly, these programs are offered free of charge to participants, removing financial barriers and ensuring accessibility. Teen Speak Up Program: Established in 2005, the Teen Speak Up program provides a six-week summer intensive for local teens, many of whom are underserved or considered at-risk. Students in grades 7–12 learn essential skills such as script analysis, character development, and collaborative storytelling, culminating in a theatrical production created entirely from their own stories and imagination. The program empowers students to discover their voices, build confidence, and develop empathy. For example, Jasmine Kallo, a past-participant, shared, “This program saved my life. No one in my world compliments me or makes me feel like my life is valuable. In the program, I learned that I am not alone.” Stories like Jasmine’s demonstrate the profound impact of this program on participants' self-esteem and mental well-being. Veterans Speak Up Program: In 2015, Chance Theater expanded the Speak Up initiative to include veterans. Through workshops and storytelling performances, veterans share their personal histories, challenges, and pride with audiences, creating a deeper understanding of their experiences. Recently, the program has also included loved ones of veterans, recognizing the integral role they play in veterans' lives. Veteran Frank Barry reflected on the program’s impact, noting, “A lot of stuff comes up in the workshops, yet [teaching artist] Karen O’Hanlon doesn’t edit or censor. She creates a space where the guys can share things, cry, and laugh. If it weren’t for her, we wouldn’t do that.” This safe and supportive environment fosters healing and connection among participants and audiences alike. Relaxed Performances: In 2015, Chance Theater began offering Relaxed Performances, designed to welcome patrons who benefit from a less restrictive audience environment. These performances have broadened access to theater, making the experience more inclusive for all. Spectrum Speak Up Program: In 2019, Chance Theater launched Spectrum Speak Up, a program specifically designed for teens aged 13–18 diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders, including high-functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. The program mirrors the structure of Teen Speak Up, emphasizing storytelling and community building. Participants often report life-changing impacts. Student Joe Barboza shared, “This summer we had the opportunity to make friends with kids just like us! I learned that I am not so different.” Parents, too, have expressed profound gratitude. Susan Blakely, a parent of a Spectrum Speak Up participant, remarked, “Finding an organization that is supportive of my special kind of kid is rare.” The program has also fostered an ongoing relationship between students and the Chance, with many alumni returning as volunteers for Relaxed Performances, further deepening their connection to the arts and community. Community Partnership Program: Chance Theater’s Community Partnership Program builds meaningful collaborations with local organizations to enhance community engagement and mutual growth. Partners gain recognition through Chance Theater’s marketing efforts, including the website, social media, playbills, and pre-show announcements, while showcasing their mission through events like Community Night, where they can connect directly with audiences. Additional benefits include displaying promotional materials in the theater and participating in opening night celebrations or design preview parties. The program also offers fundraising opportunities, allowing partners to earn a portion of ticket sales or host dedicated performance events to support their causes. Recent collaborators include Breath of Fire Latina Theatre Ensemble, Hispanic Education Endowment Fund, and LGBTQ Center of OC, among others. Through these partnerships, Chance Theater reinforces its commitment to community connection and empowerment, using the arts as a platform to amplify voices and inspire change. Visiting Companies Program Chance Theater is more than a stage—it’s a creative home for artists across disciplines. Our Visiting Companies Program partners with local artists and arts organizations, providing a platform for live music, open mic nights, improv and sketch comedy, and theatrical productions. More than just a venue rental, we offer comprehensive support, including box office services, technical assistance, and marketing resources. By sharing our space and expertise, we make it easier for artists to bring their work to life, fostering a vibrant and diverse arts community in Orange County. COMMUNITY IMPACT: Through these initiatives, Chance Theater leverages the power of storytelling to uplift marginalized voices, build community connections, and foster empathy. By creating opportunities for participants to express themselves and engage with others, we contribute to a more compassionate and connected society.