Cornerstone Theater Company

Definition

Cornerstone Theater Company is a renowned ensemble-based theater organization dedicated to creating original productions that reflect the diverse voices of communities, particularly those that are often marginalized. Founded in 1986 in Los Angeles, the company emphasizes collaboration with local residents, using their stories and experiences to inform the work, making it a significant player in the evolution of community-engaged theater practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cornerstone Theater Company was established by Founding Artistic Director Bill Rauch and has been influential in shaping the field of community engagement in theater.
2. The company works closely with specific communities to develop plays that highlight their unique stories and issues, often resulting in site-specific performances.
3. Over the years, Cornerstone has produced numerous original works that address topics such as immigration, homelessness, and social justice, reflecting contemporary societal challenges.
4. The organization believes in the power of storytelling as a tool for empowerment and healing within communities, facilitating dialogue and understanding among diverse audiences.
5. Cornerstone's model emphasizes inclusivity and diversity in casting and production, striving to represent the voices and experiences of those typically underrepresented in mainstream theater.

Review Questions

• How does Cornerstone Theater Company's approach to community engagement enhance its theatrical productions?
  • Cornerstone Theater Company's approach to community engagement enhances its productions by fostering collaboration between artists and local residents. This participatory model ensures that the stories told on stage authentically represent the lived experiences of the community. By involving residents in the creative process, Cornerstone not only creates relevant and impactful theater but also empowers individuals by validating their voices and experiences within the broader narrative.
• Discuss the role of devised theater within Cornerstone Theater Company's production process and its impact on storytelling.
  • Devised theater plays a crucial role in Cornerstone Theater Company's production process as it allows for a collective exploration of themes relevant to the communities involved. By collaborating with community members to create original content based on their stories, Cornerstone ensures that the narratives are not only authentic but also resonate deeply with both performers and audiences. This method transforms traditional storytelling by prioritizing personal experiences and fostering a sense of ownership among participants.
• Evaluate how Cornerstone Theater Company's work contributes to social change and challenges prevailing narratives in society.
  • Cornerstone Theater Company's work significantly contributes to social change by challenging prevailing narratives through community-based storytelling. By focusing on marginalized voices and addressing pressing social issues such as inequality and injustice, Cornerstone prompts audiences to reflect on their own perceptions and biases. The company’s commitment to inclusivity encourages dialogue about important societal concerns while inspiring action within communities. As such, its productions serve not only as entertainment but also as catalysts for transformation and awareness.

Related terms

Community-Based Theater: A form of theater that actively involves local communities in the creation, production, and performance process, often addressing social issues relevant to those communities.

Devised Theater: A collaborative process where a group of artists collectively create a performance piece, often based on their own experiences or specific themes, rather than following a pre-existing script.

Social Change: The transformation of cultural, social, or political institutions and norms within a society, often pursued through artistic expressions like theater to raise awareness and inspire action.