314 Landmark Center 75 West Fifth Street Saint Paul, MN 55102
Telephone: 651-225-9265 Fax:
Email: info@steppingstonetheatre.org
Web Site: SteppingStone Theatre
Founded in 1987, SteppingStone Theatre for Youth Development has become the largest performing theatre for youth in the greater St. Paul area—reaching approximately 60,000 people this year through our Mainstage season and our classes, workshops and residencies in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota.
The theatre adds to the cultural environment of the community by actively engaging children and youth in the creative and expressive powers of theatre, and enabling young people to participate in and contribute to the rich cultural heritage of our community.
Many of the young people we reach have never been exposed to the arts before and are from lower-income communities. This is the first opportunity many of them have to express themselves and let their voices be heard.
Reaching these youth is the reason for SteppingStone Theatre’s commitment to low ticket prices, scholarships for classes and workshops, discounted residencies for schools and community groups, and assistance with transportation and related issues. Contributed income from foundations, corporations, and individuals in our community plays a vital role in our ability to continue this commitment.
Our programs foster creativity, self-expression and self-confidence; teach children and youth about history, diverse cultures, literature and the arts while making learning engaging and entertaining; and help to create in youth a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Richard Hitchler, Artistic Director, earned a B.A. in Theatre Arts from the University of Minnesota and has been an administrator, teacher, actor, and director since 1987. Locally, he has worked with Illusion Theater, Mixed Blood Theater, Children’s Theatre Company, Small Change Theatre, Cricket Theatre, Magic Circle Ensemble, Teatro Latino, Homeward Bound Theater, and the Grand Marais Playhouse. Richard spent a number of years in Florida, working with Florida Studio Theatre, TheaterWorks, and the Orlando Shakespeare Festival. Hitchler was appointed Artistic Director of SteppingStone Theatre in November 1997 where he has directed over 15 productions including Tasty Baby Belly Buttons by Dane Stauffer, Young MLK by Davida Adedjouma, The Stinky Cheese Man by Kent Stephens, Ruby! by Deborah Torraine, and produced more than 40 productions.