The mission of the Theater in the Open is to transform the magical tradition of storytelling into theater. Using puppetry, pageantry, music, movement, and acting, we present and explore myths, classic literature, original scripts, and modern dramas that reflect the diversity of cultures around us. We embrace our audiences and invite the community to create with us from seed to flower, enjoying the beauty of art and nature in an affordable, accessible, and educational manner. We develop the talent and range of abilities of our unified company through a disciplined work ethic, fun, and a desire to grow.
Theater in the Open's stage is the majestic Maudslay State Park in Newburyport, Massachusetts. We present three full length productions each year among Maudslay's 350 idyllic acres. Striking a balance between fairy tales, classic works, and contemporary drama (including original scripts), we try to provide something for everyone in the family. In addition, we invite our community to join us each Halloween in creating our annual haunting of Maudslay, and we try to provide some holiday cheer each December at the Firehouse Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Newburyport.