Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Culebro.
Kathleen, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Amphibian Stage Productions was founded in 2000 as a non-profit theatre company by three alumni (including myself) of TCU’s Theatre Department. Since the beginning, our objective was not only to entertain, but also to give audiences something to think about, to incite conversation, to bring up important issues and big ideas, and make an impact—whether it be a ripple or a wave.
For the first seven years, we were housed at TCU’s Theatre Department. Without them, we couldn’t have created high-caliber, professional productions right from the beginning. We had great ideas, but we didn’t have our own resources to carry them out. TCU generously provided their incredible space and equipment, which gave us time to figure out the management side of running a theatre. We were lucky that we didn’t have to climb our way out of a DIY basement space.
In 2005, we added our staged readings, which initially took place at The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth—these have now evolved into the New Play Series, highlighting new works by emerging playwrights. Our partnership with The Modern continues with National Theatre Live screenings, featuring filmed recordings of some of the world’s greatest theatre from the stages of the Royal National Theatre in London and across the United Kingdom.
We found our permanent home in the fall of 2012, when one of our board members, Jeff Davis, helped us locate a building just north of the Near Southside neighborhood in Fort Worth on South Main Street. Lucky for me, I’m married to an architect, because my husband (Greg Ibañez of Ibañez Shaw Architecture) redesigned the building interior and exterior. So many individuals and businesses stepped forward to make that dream come true. Fort Construction provided the contractor services.
It was a true leap of faith to relocate to South Main, as we were one of the first businesses to open up in that part of the city, which is now experiencing a major revival with a variety of shops and restaurants, office spaces, and housing. We are the only performing arts company in Fort Worth to own our space; we co-own our building with Starr Conspiracy, a marketing and advertising agency.
Now in our eighteenth season, we’ve produced numerous groundbreaking and challenging plays (some regional premieres, others national or world premieres) that foster a deeper understanding of ourselves as members of the global community. Amphibian is widely recognized for our stylistically and thematically varied scripts. We’ve grown to six full-time staff members.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When we started Amphibian, we didn’t know anything about running a business. We learned everything by doing it wrong first and then figuring it out as we went along. It never occurred to us that it would be wise to know about marketing, fundraising, bookkeeping, insurance, and so many other things. We were so naïve. The more we learned, the more we realized how little we knew, and that’s when we started to build a strong board of directors that could help us with the things we didn’t know.
Also, I’ve learned that a lot of people have preconceived notions about what theatre is, so they think they’re not going to like it, and they don’t give it a chance. It’s been a major part of our work to nurture audiences one person at a time. We feel confident that once we get them in the door and show them what theatre really is—what it can be—they’ll be hooked. Theatre isn’t just Shakespeare or musicals. It can be those things, but our approach to plays is more contemporary and more intimate.
Amphibian Stage Productions – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Amphibian Stage Productions strives to produce innovative and engaging theater that inspires new ideas, opens new doors, and increases our understanding of the vast world around us. We believe in the fearless power of theatre. We strive to make our home a place where stories come to life. It is our responsibility as the storytellers to strive for excellence, to create something beautiful, and to make it accessible to all.
We are known for our main stage series featuring regional and world premieres by award-winning playwrights, National Theatre Live screenings in partnership with The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, our staged readings highlighting new work by emerging playwrights, and our relatively new annual Phib Comedy Series.
We’re especially proud of our staged readings and comedy series, giving new playwrights and comedians a safe, nurturing environment to take risks, try new ideas, and develop their work in front of an audience. Also, the comedy series, curated by Baron Vaughn (breakout star of Netflix’ GRACE AND FRANKIE) brings in a younger audience that normally wouldn’t go out to see theatre. Baron has been featured as the main act for the past two years, and he plans to return for our 2018 season.
Taking risks has always been something we’ve been known for. Last year, we produced WHITE RABBIT RED RABBIT by Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour. The actor (there was only one role) was not allowed to read the script or learn anything about the play beforehand. We brought in different actors each of the nights, including Dallas / Fort Worth celebrities Christopher Blay (writer/curator/artist), Cameron Smith (music producer/musician), and Christie Vela (stage actor and director), as well as Hollywood stars Xander Berkeley (THE WALKING DEAD) and Sarah Clarke (TWILIGHT, 24).
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
The proudest moment of my career was getting recognition from American Theatre Wing in 2014. The grants are awarded to innovative theatre companies making an impact across the nation by connecting their community to excellence in the performing arts. Amphibian Stage Productions was one of twelve companies from around the country to receive the award that year. It was a tremendous honor, and it strengthened our resolve and ability to develop new work by today’s most original playwrights.
I’m very proud whenever I see someone Amphibian nurtured early on making it in the business. We believe that it’s our job to identify potential. Then we do everything in our power to make sure artists reach that potential through opportunities to do challenging work, ultimately leading them to meet other theatre professionals. It’s about all of us working together to help pave the way for their careers as theatre-makers.
Pricing:
- $33 – general admission (main stage series)
- $28 – seniors 60+ (main stage series)
- $18 – students/teachers (main stage series)
Contact Info:
- Address:120 S. Main Street, Fort Worth, TX 76104
- Website: www.amphibianstage.com
- Phone:817-923-3012
- Email:info@amphibianstage.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/amphibianstage
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amphibianstageproductions
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/AmphibianStage
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/amphibian-stage-productions-fort-worth
Image Credit:
The Welman Project
Parker T. Lunsford
Renit Lambert
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
