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.
We work with approximately 150 children annually in performances, workshops, and festivals. We have provided employment to many ISU Theatre students as teachers, directors, and designers. Nearly 20,000 audience members have seen our performances.
We are particularly committed to reaching under served children. We have donated hundreds of free tickets to area social service agencies, provided scholarship aid to participants, and kept tickets reasonably priced, in our on-going effort to afford everyone the opportunity to experience live theater.
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.”
“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 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!”
“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.”
