The Bridge Initiative

MISSION The Bridge Initiative is a women-led artistic collective and incubator in Phoenix, Arizona that uses theatre and media to build bridges in our community.

VISION

We believe theatre can act as a mirror and a window to inspire growth and build community. We envision an equitable industry where women and other historically and systemically marginalized groups are safe, represented, and valued. We aspire to being part of a healthy, multi-tiered professional theatre ecosystem in Arizona that provides just compensation and the highest quality artistic opportunities from new work incubation to full production. We want to build a community of safe and brave spaces where artists and audience use theatre and media to spark dialogue, inspire reflection, and grow a better world. 

We accomplish our goals and reach towards our vision by providing programming that is different from every other local producer. We have a history of world and regional premieres, including being the first professional production of "The Revolutionists" by Lauren Gunderson, co-produced by Tempe Center for the Arts, and Broadway Curious, our genre-bending cabaret talk show that features top musical theatre talent in live and digital formats. In May, we are premiering our partnership with Estrella Mountain Community College with "Like Heaven," a world premiere by beloved Arizona playwright Elaine Romero, directed by guest director Samantha Wyre Bello from The Shakespeare Theatre in Washington DC, and featuring four favorite local female performers, including two AEA (union) members - a feat in a right-to-work state but one that we value as it provides these professionals with contributions to health and pension among other benefits.

Testimonials

"Empowering, advocating, and pushing for the equal and full voice of women writers and women in theatre arts, the Bridge Initiative is an important and vital member of our community. I am proud to be part of the multi-stakeholders that provide active support to an organization which is dedicated to being an agent of change for the essential role of women in the arts." - Micha Espinosa, ASU professor, professional actor and dialect designer/vocal coach

"A well-acted and very thought provoking theatrical performance. Several other Vet Tix members remained to discuss the performance with us following completion." - Tom, U.S. Army Veteran

"Thank you to everyone who was a part of this. I'm so grateful for the experience." - Alana Samuels, actor A FEMININE ENDING

"With JUST BE, Maybe Stewart establishes themselves as a voice of courage, a voice of survival, a voice of identity, a voice of hope rising from the ashes of abuse, of pain, of misunderstanding to provide compassionate perspectives for a community struggling to be seen and heard and respected. They write with acerbic clarity, without apology. They are not safe. They are brave. I consider myself lucky to have worked several times with Maybe. They write, direct, devise, stage manage, design media and sound, etc, etc, etc, and the valley is fortunate to have them creating and thriving here!" - David Barker, ASU professor, professional actor/director

"For a playwright, workshopping a new play is an incredible gift … and also a little terrifying. Dissembling and then reassembling something that's still very much in its infancy can be daunting. But my experience with The Bridge Initiative was exemplary. Director Stefanie Sertich created a safe space for The Flora and Fauna to grow, the actors brought it to life, and Brenda and Tracy held the space so that all this incredible work could be accomplished. Not only would I work with them again in a heartbeat, I would strongly recommend that others take advantage of this amazing opportunity to get their work to another level. As all of us work to achieve gender parity in theatre, females supporting other females cannot be underestimated. In my case, it's deeply and eternally appreciated." - Alyson Mead, playwright THE FLORA & THE FAUNA