Story Theater Company is a non-profit, 501(c)3 corporation founded in November 2006. Our mission is to increase the number of theatrical opportunities for the children of Ames and surrounding communities through performances and workshops, and to expose them to positive role models from the ISU Theatre Department who teach the fundamentals of theater while encouraging self-confidence, responsibility, and teamwork.
To date, we have worked with over 200 children in performances, workshops, and festivals. We have provided employment to many ISU Theatre students as teachers, directors, and designers. Well over 3,000 audience members have seen our performances. And we have recruited thousands of volunteer hours from board members and parents, many of whom had little or no attachment to theater before their children joined our company.
We are particularly committed to reaching underserved children. We have donated hundreds of free tickets to area social service agencies, granted fee waivers to 100% of families who request them, and kept tickets reasonably priced, in our on-going effort to afford everyone the opportunity to experience live theater.
We are very grateful to have been awarded grants from the Iowa Arts Council, the City of Ames Commission on the Arts, the Ames Convention & Visitors Bureau, Target, and Wal-Mart. This funding will enable us to continue providing educational activities for our children and entertainment to our community. Thank you!
We have been overwhelmed by the support and positive response we have received during our short time on the arts scene in Ames! Here is a sampling of what parents of our participants have said:
My son has now participated in the programs in three youth theater companies. One was the University of Alaska Anchorage’s Theater for Young People, a renowned program under the direction of playwright Wayne Mitchell and the other is a theatre company in Tucson, Arizona. When asked how the Story Theater Company’s program compares, my son (with five years of theater camp experience) replied that Story Theater Company “teaches you more.” The Story Theater Company is an important part of the fabric of our community.
Our daughter participated in the program this summer and it was a wonderful experience for her. At home she would share her experiences and involve the family in “warm up games” she had learned that day. For many children this might seem common place – but our daughter has a disability and her ability to express herself in such an engaged and excited way is not typical. Your ability to not only accommodate her – but to also help her grow and succeed was so appreciated. Your program not only greatly benefits the young children involved, but it also gives the college students in the ISU theater department an opportunity to work with children of many ages and with all types of abilities. This is a valuable lesson for them as they become young professionals because they will learn that all children have strengths that can be nurtured. For us it means there will be more adults in this world that can appreciate and nurture our daughter in the community.
My children are actively engaged in community theater and it simply would not have happened without the opportunity they received from Story Theater Company. A "chance" audition for a production last winter has propelled them to continued involvement, a love and dedication to community theater. We will forever be grateful for Story Theater Company. They cannot wait for the next audition!
My middle school aged boys have participated in these opportunities and benefited greatly in the areas of self-confidence and self-esteem. They take their performances very seriously and have learned to commit and apply themselves to doing an outstanding job. They want their performances to be professional and would benefit greatly from additional funds to support the program.
Story Theater Company is a great new drama/performance organization! They truly enjoy what they are doing. That enthusiasm carries over to the kids and helps the kids reach above and beyond their dreams in performing! I hope they keep planning productions for a long time to come.
We have especially appreciated the STC's philosophy of kids and theater. We agree that helping kids develop these gifts can be useful for their future, no matter what route they choose.
I really appreciate the efforts put into the Story Theater Company. It gave my daughter a chance to experience acting in positive, informal and fun environment. I am glad that she has the opportunity to do this in our home town. The friends she has made during her classes she has kept as well. What a great organization!
Story Theater Company is a wonderful organization. My daughter has never before been so fully engaged in any after-school activity. She has blossomed while learning how to act with the support, encouragement and expertise of three delightful Iowa State University Theater majors and STC's dedicated founder. This is a highly positive environment where kids can excel and gain valuable skills.
Story Theater provides an opportunity for my children to engage in and enjoy the fine arts; an appreciation lost in shadow of TV. Through acting our children practice walking in another man's shoes. The tendency to be self centered/indulgent is a bridge we all hope our children will cross. I believe Story Theatre through it's actions and generous environment can help light us the way.
Story Theater Company and all of its hard-working volunteers have really been an asset to the Ames community! My daughter has learned so much through her participation in STC productions and workshops. She has not only gotten the opportunity to act, but to learn about script and character development, staging, costuming, and more. Most importantly, she has gained confidence and friendships!
Story Theatre Company is such a great group for my daughter to have available to her here in Ames. She loves to act, and STC provides acting workshops and productions for her to learn from and participate in. STC is a vital addition to our community as a builder of and springboard for the nascent talents and interests of our children.
Story Theater Co. is an amazing organization made possible by the dedication of its volunteer founder. My daughter was lucky enough to be part of their first play, as well as a summer acting workshop. Both experiences were incredibly positive, and she has developed a love of acting. More importantly, she's made some great new friends, learned to work hard as part of a group, and had a ton of fun!
We are grateful to have another community theater option for children in Ames. The friendships that are built, and the chance to express creativity are two major benefits. Community theater is such a productive way for children to spend their time outside of school. Story Theater Company has been especially generous in keeping their ticket prices low so whole families can enjoy their productions.
Story Theater Company was started from scratch by a few very dedicated volunteers. Their hard work has resulted in a fantastic opportunity for the youth of our community. Their unique approach of pairing college theater majors with the children provides a positive experience for both groups.
Story Theater Company in Ames has sparked great interest and enthusiasm among the young, creative members of our community. My son, after attending "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", got involved in his first production and had a great experience! It's great to see young people being mentored by college students and members of our community.
I love that my children can be involved in something that they can take ownership of, plus have fun, build people skills and meet new friends.
The Story Theater Company provides wonderful opportunities for our youth. My daughter felt very empowered and encouraged by both the class and the leaders. She felt comfortable getting out of her comfort zone and really tried things she had never tried before. She looks forward to participating again in a theater class and production.
My daughter was involved in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Through that experience she went on to an acting camp in the summer sponsored by the Company. The transformation from the play to the camp was phenomenal. She is looking forward to The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. Thank you Story Theater Company!!
Story Theater Company is providing a wonderful service to the children of Ames, Iowa. It is providing the opportunity for many children to experience and enjoy theater. Prior to the creation of Story Theater, the opportunities were very limited. In addition, Story Theater is providing an excellent growth opportunity for ISU theater majors and our children get to work with some awesome students!
My daughter participated in a workshop and it was an excellent experience in teamwork, creativity, memorization, and performance. Any support of this organization will promote positive child development and increased arts opportunities for the Ames community.
Board of Directors: Lori Sulzberger, President · Victoria Zenger, Vice President · Pat Sauer, Secretary Deidre Wahlin, Treasurer · At-Large Members: Jane Cox · Kevin Maher · Rick Sanders · Marcia Ravner