Crowded Fire’s ensemble produces poetic, bold theater created by new and contemporary artists.  We seek to engage our community by producing adventurous work, innovative in structure, which addresses the diverse political and social concerns of our audiences.

History

Now embarking on its 13th season, Crowded Fire has become well recognized for its creative risk taking and for energizing audiences with striking original work. In 2008, Rob Hurwitt of The San Francisco Chronicle referred to Crowded Fire as “one of the more reliably exciting of the region’s many small companies.”

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Marissa Wolf, and Managing Director Tiffany Cothran, Crowded Fire is composed of an ensemble of Resident Artists, made up of top Bay Area actors, designers, and directors.  The ensemble, with its multiplicity of interests and ideas, as well as the dedication and talent of its members, represents one of the company’s most significant strengths.

Crowded Fire Theater is especially valued for its development of new work.  Our company strongly champions playwrights who offer a vital contribution to the American theater landscape.  In addition to producing two to three mainstage productions each season, Crowded Fire offers development opportunities through The Matchbox, a development program for new works.  This program includes Matchbox Reading Series, featuring annual readings of new plays, Matchbox Productions, producing experimental original work generated by Crowded Fire Resident Artists, and Matchbox Workshops, providing playwrights with access to directors and actors during various stages of their writing process.

Recent and upcoming Crowded Fire world premieres include plays by Sheila Callaghan, Christine Evans, Liz Duffy Adams, Dominic Orlando, Caridad Svich, and Enrique Urueta.  We have also produced existing contemporary work by such noted playwrights as Charles Mee, Caryl Churchill, Mac Wellman, Chay Yew, Erik Ehn, and Mickey Birnbaum.

As we continue to reach out to diverse Bay Area audiences, we offer post show Fireside Chats moderated by an ensemble member after each performance.  These lively, open conversations allow the audience an opportunity to engage more fully with the production, gain greater access to the material, and deepen their relationship to the company.

Crowded Fire’s reputation for supporting artists and valuing long-term collaboration has allowed us to enjoy an active dialogue with playwrights and audiences alike.  Welcome to the fire!

GRANTS AWARDED

In 2010, the Foundation supported the Matchbox Reading Series, providing workshop time for plays in development by three local playwrights and one national playwright culminating in free public readings.