Open Stage of Harrisburg

Open Stage was founded in 1983 by Donald Alsedek, Marianne Fischer, and Anne Alsedek as a response to the 1982 Mayor’s Task Force for the Arts for Harrisburg Report, which cited a need for theatre of a higher quality in the area. With a strategic planning grant from the Greater Harrisburg Foundation, Open Stage was founded. The theatre has been located in the Walnut Street Parking Garage, in the heart of downtown Harrisburg, since 1992. Open Stage is a regional professional theatre dedicated to supporting a company of artists to present diverse offerings of thought-provoking theatre and educational activities in intimate settings. The capital's oldest professional regional theatre, is in its 32nd Season, presenting plays that appeal to audiences who enjoy challenges beyond mainstream theatre offerings. The theatre holds a deep commitment to artistic freedom. There is a living/active relationship between the artist and the audience. Plays selected treat transcendent issues, asking the most important questions, but offering no pat answers. Open Stage has made a commitment to supporting the cultural education of the community, building informed theatre audiences and artists. Open Stage produces high quality regional professional theatre, employing artists who are committed to theatre as a life’s work.