Our Mission

Near West Theatre creates life-changing theatre arts experiences that empower our community. Our vision is to build a socially just world through the transformative power of community theatre. We value accessibility, artistic excellence, authenticity, equity and inclusion, integrity, love, and social justice.

Near West Theatre (NWT), located in the historic Gordon Square Arts District, is Cleveland’s largest and most impactful community theatre. Founded as a summer arts program in 1978, NWT sought to engage Cleveland youth in a way that would allow them to discover their creativity. Today, we offer a continuum of accessible, high-quality programming for all ages and abilities.

What We Do

NWT produces a mainstage season featuring intergenerational cast and crew members. Our productions are intentionally chosen for their themes, which are often thought-provoking and relevant in the world we live in.

Aside from our main stage season, we offer a continuum of educational and community opportunities. In-school residencies bring the magic of theatre to local students while our Creative Aging program encourages older adults to self-reflect while connecting with a larger community. This spring, participants in RISE! our after-school enrichment program will perform Disney’s Finding Nemo Jr. after spending the fall semester building transferable theatre and life skills such as public speaking and working as a team.

Accessibility is a central pillar of our work. Pay What You Choose ticketing ensures that everyone in our community has access to theatre arts experience, regardless of their financial circumstances. Additionally, we are proud to present both Sensory Friendly and ASL Interpreted performances. These performances create an inclusive, welcoming, and judgement-free environment for all audience members.

Why We Do It

At Near West Theatre, we believe there’s a place for everyone—whether on stage or behind the scenes. We’ve witnessed the transformative power of the arts and know that live theatre offers a unique opportunity to connect, inspire, and unite our diverse community. Through storytelling, we give voice to experiences that deepen empathy and contribute to a better world, and we are committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, can participate in this meaningful work.

Near West Theatre

The Big Dogs

Team Members