Open Fist Theatre Company

During 2022, formal classes and workshops remained suspended. We look forward to resuming creative instruction in January of 2023 with class offerings in scene study; improvisation & sketch writing; "Monster Rep": interpretation and performance of the most challenging epic and poetic texts; dramaturgy, playwriting & new play development. 20 hours of member training was provided on digital platforms, including The Foundation Directory, Cause IQ, Patron Manager, Grants.gov, EMMA and Discord. In addition, in 2022, hands-on opportunities were supplied as follows: 186 hours of in person rehearsal (for actors, stage managers, directors, writers); 78 hours of in person design/production time (for designers, directors, producers); 60 hours of video editing, scoring and music mixing (for editors, composers, mixers); 76 hours of in person performance; 34 hours of live streamed performance; 29 hours of community engagement post performance curated conversations conducted virtually and in person (for all members and the community).

The Open Fist Theatre Company shut down again in January of 2022 due to the COVID surge. For the first 2 months of 2022, the Company produced free virtual programming. Patrons were offered the option of making a donation, but this was not obligatory (approximately 1/3 of our attendees opted to contribute something.) In March, we resumed our residency at the Atwater Village Theatre Complex and produced continuously for the rest of the year. Our season was comprised of one Shakespeare comedy, two revivals and one world premiere. In December, the Company revived its exuberant annual charity concert -- this time in the BroadStage concert hall -- featuring the talents of 30 singers and instrumentalists. The Company's programming in 2022 involved 193 actors/singers and 30 other members. In person performances were attended by 3,445 patrons (2867 paid attendance; 588 free admissions) and virtual programs were attended by approximately 156 patrons (tickets were free but 56 contributed.) We recognize that sometimes links to our virtual programs were shared, or more than one individual watched on a single device. So these attendance figures for our virtual programming are undoubtedly low.