Our
Story

TheatreWorkers Project was born in a shutdown union hall in 1983 when theatre artist Susan “Susie” Franklin Tanner and a small artist team collaborated with a group of unemployed steelworkers to create “LADY BETH: the steelworkers play”. Supported by funds from Bruce Springsteen, they toured the country to tell the story of the impact plant closures had on the lives of workers.

“These people should not be forgotten,”

— Bruce Springsteen

We work with members of underserved and unheard communities to tell their stories through the mediums of theatre and film.

We provide challenging classical and contemporary theatre experiences that reflect and illuminate the human condition.

“Thank you for investing so much time, effort and heart into our community. It is greatly needed, empowering and appreciated.”

Jocelyn, former Cal State LA Project Rebound student

TWP
Values

Expression

All human beings possess the ability
to create works of art.

Story

Each person has an important
story to tell.

Initiative

It is the responsibility of the artist to partner with each community of participants to bring their stories to life through high-quality theatre experiences.

Participation

Participating in and witnessing the creative process can be a transformative experience.

Responsibility

The artist has a responsibility to use their creative skills to address and illuminate social and political issues, and to offer opportunities for audiences to grapple with these subjects.