Theatre Off Jackson (TOJ), a small yet influential theatre in Seattle’s Chinatown International District, is once again in the spotlight as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. The theatre has been a significant hub for artists, shaping careers and fostering community through its commitment to inclusivity and experimental performances.
With the appointment of a new Interim Executive Director, the future of TOJ looks promising. The new leader, who began their artistic journey at TOJ, aims to leverage their extensive experience as a co-producer and board president to further enhance the organization’s mission of supporting artists of all backgrounds.
“I hope to arm the resident companies that co-produce here with the skills, resources, and space to amplify their work,” they stated.
The goal is not only to increase the visibility of these artists but also to ensure they are compensated fairly for their talents and hard work. The Interim Executive Director emphasizes the importance of ticket sales in driving financial support for artists, pointing out that theatre companies often struggle to balance the costs of show production with fair artist pay.
In today’s challenging economic climate, arts funding is dwindling, and the current push for inclusivity can feel under threat. The theatre community grapples with these issues daily, and TOJ’s resilience is a testament to its commitment to creative expression. This determination is further emphasized when considering how artists in America often bear the financial risks of producing their work, in stark contrast to models like the universal basic income pilot for artists in Ireland.
The current state of Seattle’s theatre scene reveals a troubling trend: in the past eight years, the city has witnessed five theatre closures and a range of layoffs across artists and support staff. In this context, TOJ stands as a vital platform, preserving the ability to showcase diverse, inclusive work that reflects the values of its community.
Since its inception in 2005, TOJ has embraced a wide range of artists, including those from marginalized backgrounds in areas such as AAPI, queer/non-binary identities, and artists with disabilities. By offering low-cost rates for producers, TOJ remains one of the few theatres in the United States where experimental work can flourish.
The new Interim Executive Director brings personal experience to the table. Following a successful tour of their solo show “140 LBS: How Beauty Killed My Mother,” they return with an appreciation for what TOJ offers artists.
“I didn’t realize how much the people running it respect the artist, the process, and the pay until I hit the road,” they reflected. This newfound understanding propels them toward transforming TOJ’s internal and external spaces into more inviting areas for both artists and audiences.
Plans for renovations are underway, with backing from the Allen Family Foundation, aimed at enhancing TOJ’s visibility and accessibility.
The overarching mission of TOJ is to serve as a hub for affordable and diverse artistic performances, fostering community through creativity and theatrical engagement. As the new Interim Executive Director embarks on this journey, they invite supporters and patrons to contribute to this essential mission.
“If you believe in this mission too, there are so many ways to build this reality together,” they noted, emphasizing the transformative power of community support.
Opportunities for collaboration include donations aimed at sustaining the theatre’s operations and establishing an endowment to secure long-term stability. TOJ also seeks sponsors for its upcoming annual gala, which celebrates both the theatre’s history and its milestone anniversary with exciting performances.
Open lines of communication remain a priority for the new leadership, as they encourage artists and community members alike to reach out and engage in conversations about the future of TOJ.
As the theatre looks ahead, it remains crucial to reflect on the vital role that spaces like TOJ play in the arts community.
TOJ is adamant that the interchange between performer and audience is crucial to maintaining hope, connection, and a sense of belonging in our increasingly isolating society.
“When we show up — we belong,” states the Interim Executive Director, articulating the irreplaceable value of live performance in today’s world.
In a city filled with art and creativity, its sending message remains clear: preserving spaces like Theatre Off Jackson is essential for maintaining the dialogue around diversity, representation, and community engagement in the arts.
With the dedicated leadership at TOJ, there is a renewed sense of purpose to ensure that the theatre continues to be a sanctuary for creativity and community for many years to come.
As this new chapter unfolds, the arts community eagerly anticipates the innovative changes that will flourish under the new Executive Director’s vision.
image source from：seattlemag
