Organization/Company Questions Narrative and Mission

What is your organization or company? Give background history including by whom, when, and why it was founded.

The organization I chose if Rose Children’s Theatre in Eugene, Oregon.  This organization was founded in 1978 by Celeste Rose.  It was created as an introduction to the performing arts to the youth of Lane County.  The organization’s website also states that they have three primary objectives:

• To reach and inspire children who have the dream to perform on the stage;
• To help build family relationships through direct participation in the process of play production; and
• To provide the community with top quality children’s theatre.

The theatre became a non-profit organization in 1989, and has been independent of city funding only working with donations, grants and volunteer-based fundraising.

What do they do or make – describe the products and services and what makes them unique.

Rose Children’s Theatre is a community-based youth theatre company that works with families from all income-levels.  It works out of a pool of directors who choose repertoire appropriate for youth, and select scripts with positive messages that children will enjoy but also connect with and understand.  This a community-based theatre so many of the positions are volunteer and often family members help with production, costume design and makeup.  The theatre also provides many opportunities for instruction in acting through week long programs (Adventure in Acting – Kindergarten though 2nd grade), acting workshops and summer camps.

Describe the culture of the organization or company. What is the work environment like – the atmosphere? What is the building like – exterior/interior, architecture, fittings and furniture? How do the employees work together? What are the jobs and roles of individuals? How does management treat them?

Rose Children’s Theatre is a culture that nurtures children through the performing arts and helps them learn about themselves and a sense of community.  The RCT chooses directors that have a positive history in theatre both personally and with youth, and choose scripts that have a positive image that the children can connect with and learn from.  Along with their workshops, summer camps and programs this is a safe learning atmosphere.  Rose Children’s Theatre does not perform in their own space but in various community buildings.  Usually they are performing at the Wildish Theatre, but they have also put on performances at The Hult Center, McDonald Theater, and other community locations (high schools, etc.)  This is important because these are all community based buildings, which also encourages community outreach.  Donations from local businesses also helps get local businesses involved with the organization.  There are few employees as the theatre is mostly made up of volunteers, specifically family members of the children performing.  They will help with everything: music, makeup, costumes, ushering, and so much more.  This is unique as it not only helps to build a community relationship, but a strong and important relationship within the family.  The volunteers also have to be able to work well with the director as they are both parent and other various roles.  They have to allow their children to grow independently while also helping with the logistics of the show.

Who is the targeted audience? What are their demographics?

The website states, “this is a children’s theater performed predominately by children for children.”  Though they perform in many venues, like The Hunt Center for the Performing Arts, they also perform at high schools and community centers.  I believe the goal is to reach other children which will then allow them to become involved in the organization themselves.  Their goal is to also allow community members to have access to affordable and professional children’s theatre.  This leads me to believe that they are targeting anyone within their community, but want the price to be affordable enough that anyone would be able to enjoy these performances.

What is the organization or company mission statement? 

The mission of Rose Children’s Theatre (RCT) is to strengthen our community by empowering children and their families through the experience of performing arts and the magic of theater.