About

From 1980 – 1993, Stage One, Inc., was a prolific and viable theatre company, producing high-quality thought-provoking plays that were often seen as cutting-edge.  After a too-long hiatus, Stage One will once again offer Pulitzer Prize winning dramas, American Theatre Classics, Shakespeare, and other important pieces of theatre.

Stage One’s mission is to entertain, educate, and creatively challenge its audience and crew. “While there is a lot of wonderful theatre happening in Janesville, we saw a lack of serious drama and decided to revive Stage One to fill that void,” says Pat Thom, current President of Stage One and one of its original founding members.  “Our intention is not to compete, but rather to add to the already rich established theatrical community that exists in Rock County. One of Stage One’s original purposes was to promote the art of theatre; we intend to continue that mission by offering theatre alternatives not systematically presented by other cultural organizations in the area.”

Stage One’s 2011 – 2012 season includes three  Pulitzer Prize winners: Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abaire,  Proof by David Auburn, and How I Learned to Drive by Paula Vogel.  

Stage One, Inc. is based in Janesville, WI and performs at the Janesville Performing Arts Center.

Stage One Board Members include:
Pat Thom, Senior Lecturer for the Communication and Theatre Arts Department at UW-Rock County;
Michael Stalsberg, Technical Director, Janesville Performing Arts Center;
Edie Baran, founder of SpotLight On Kids, and long-time arts advocate in Rock County;
Kirk Leach, a Stage One founding member, active community theatre volunteer, owner Leach Farms;
Gene Biby, Assistant Theatre Professor at Clark College Vancouver, Washington: Advisory Member.

For more information, email: info@stageonewi.org, or call Edie Baran, producer, at 608-931-5705