SALIDA THEATER PROJECT came about after many conversations over coffee since the summer of 2020.

Brade Bradshaw, a professional actor/director from Chicago, was visiting his parents, who live in South Fork, and something came to mind while strolling through the streets of Salida, “Where is the theater?”  There wasn’t any. But it seemed to Brade this was a perfect town for theater.

That’s when Brade hooked up with Devon, former SHS High School Drama coach and Director of Shakespeare in the Park, and they had their first cup of coffee together at Bunny and Clyde’s.

Since Stage Left Theatre Company dissolving in 2016, then the pandemic, which kept many of us from attending large indoor events, the stars have finally aligned.

Thanks to a kick in the pants & master organizational skills from Founding Board Member Leslie Matthews, the light-hearted infectious energy from professional actor Brade Bradshaw, and the established, trusted skills of Devon Kasper (and a shared vision amongst us), we are excited to present to you Salida’s newest theater company, which we hope will be around a long time.

Salida Theater project is dedicated to the following core values: Community, relevance, accessibility, quality, sustainability, and inclusivity.

We will strive to collaborate with artists based locally and beyond to foster a safe artistic platform for growth, conversation, and innovation. Bringing quality, sustainable, and inspirational professional theatre to our community that celebrates the humanity in us all, through intentionally curated seasons, engaging educational programing, and hand-on community engagement. 

For now, we plan to bring our community theater that excites us and go project to project. We won’t necessarily bring you a play the same time each year, nor will the show be in the same space each time.  

Our long-term goal is to pique the interest of a benefactor out there, or raise the money over time, to have a home and unite community and professional artists alike in a true repertory theater environment.  But until then, we hope you come out to support our projects, whether you audition, volunteer or donate!  

We will see you at the Theater!