STAGEStheatre was a 501(c)(3) non‑profit theatre organization located in Fullerton, California, United States. Established in 1992, it grew to become the longest‑running storefront theatre in Orange County, presenting a wide range of productions that included classic American plays, comedies, dramas, Shakespearean works, absurdist and avant‑garde pieces, as well as original premieres.
History
The theatre was founded in 1992 by Brian Kojac as a small venue for actors to develop their craft. Early operations involved collaborations with students, faculty, and arts administrators from local high schools, community colleges, and universities. In 1993 the company began staging shows in an industrial complex in northeast Anaheim, adopting the name “STAGES” to reference the various stages of life. By the following year it expanded to a second adjacent space and added late‑night productions to its schedule.
By 1997, STAGEStheatre had produced 112 productions, more than 90 of which were original works. In 1999 the theatre moved to a storefront location at 400 East Commonwealth Avenue in Fullerton. In 2004 it attained formal non‑profit status, changed its name to STAGEStheatre, and was overseen by a board of directors, an artistic director, and an executive director. The organization was largely volunteer‑run.
Facilities and Programming
STAGEStheatre operated an intimate 60‑seat venue that offered affordable ticket prices and free parking. The theatre’s programming was eclectic, ranging from classic comedies and Broadway‑style musicals to experimental and original productions. It also hosted the Spectacles Improv Engine, an improvisation troupe that offered regular improv classes and organized community events such as the Orange County Improv Cup and the Orange County Improv Festival. In 2012 Spectacles set a local record for the longest continuous improv scene at 25 hours.
Mission and Community Engagement
The organization’s mission emphasized providing a creative environment for actors, directors, writers, designers, and other artists at all “stages” of their development. As a non‑profit, STAGEStheatre sought to promote appreciation for the theatrical arts through community outreach, educational opportunities, and internships for student artists and technicians.
Closure
STAGEStheatre permanently closed its Fullerton location in 2020. The closure was attributed to financial difficulties stemming from the COVID‑19 pandemic, which severely limited revenue from ticket sales and other sources.
Legacy
Despite its closure, STAGEStheatre is remembered for its contribution to Orange County’s cultural landscape, its support of local talent, and its role in sustaining a vibrant, independent theatre scene for nearly three decades.