Our Mission

Creative Stage Collective brings together youth and professional artists to co-create original kid-inspired theater with a spirit of playfulness and community that envisions the kind of world we want to live in.

Creative Stage Collective (CSC) is a Harlem-based organization that brings together kids and professional adult artists to create and perform original works based on the imaginative ideas of children. Through these innovative pieces, we strive to re-connect our audiences to the joy and depth of the imagination of children, challenging them to look at the world from new vantage points through the eyes of a child.

Through our multi-generational approach, we are building a community for artists of all ages: where long-lasting mentoring relationship are forged over years and decades; where youth gain vital skills that go well beyond the performings arts; and where emerging artists find support. And, through collaborations with leading artists and organizations, we continuously challenge ourselves in the pursuit of excellence.

CSC actively works to promote greater diversity in the performing arts at every level of our company -- from the board of directors, to the artists we work with, to the audiences we serve. We are creating a space where people of all ages and backgrounds see themselves and their ideas represented on stage.

We have experienced how our unique method of creative collaboration across age, race, gender, discipline, etc. encourages greater empathy and understanding, resulting in a product that is far richer than the sum of its parts. 

We believe that creating together brings people together.

Our VALUES

Community: We are committed to supporting and nurturing a multigenerational collective of artists.

Collaboration: We believe that when we work together we produce a product far greater than the sum of its parts.

Imagination: We believe in the power of the imaginative ideas of children, and in giving children agency and a meaningful voice.

Excellence: We believe in the power of excellence and disciplined work over time, and commit to ever higher artistic standards.

Accessibility: We believe that everyone deserves the joy and inspiration that come through the performing arts.

Diversity: We believe in diversity at every level of our company – from the board of directors to the audiences we serve to the artists we engage.