Who is Spellbound?
Spellbound Theatre is a national leader in theater for the very young. For thirteen years, Spellbound has created original, multidisciplinary performances designed to delight, educate, and inspire New York’s youngest audiences and their families. Spellbound produces original works for 0-5 year olds and provides early childhood education programs and community events for young children.
Mission
Spellbound is committed to providing young people with sophisticated and innovative art experiences that resonate deeply during their formative years. We believe in our unique ability to spark a sense of wonder, play, and agency that young audiences will carry throughout their lives, inspiring them to tap into their creative potential. By pushing the boundaries of what it means to govern a theatre company, we strive to create work that is inclusive, accessible, and celebrates the diverse personhood of our youngest audiences.
Company History
Spellbound Theatre was founded in 2011 by Lauren Jost with the dream of bringing accessible programming for New York's youngest audiences and their caregivers. She was the Artistic Director of Spellbound Theatre from 2011 - 2020, then she made the bold and innovative decision to dismantle the Artistic Director role and create sub-committees. These ensemble-led committees included the Anti-Racist Committee, the Strategic Planning Committee and the Sustainability Committee. As time went on, these committees dissolved into what is now The Oversight Committee which is a group of ensemble members of the Spellbound ensemble who are excited to function as leaders and executors on behalf of Spellbound. Oversight committee members are artists first, but should have a level of administrative experience.
"The Naughty Penguin" at Little Island, 2023
Spellbound produced a main stage double feature at The New Victory Theatre in the Spring of 2023, showcasing original shows Wink and Shakespeare's Stars. This company has performed to sold-out family audiences as a multi-year company-in-residence at the Old Stone House in Park Slope, Brooklyn, and have been 2014-15, 2016-17, and 2018-19 New Victory Theater LabWorks Artists in Residence. Spellbound Theater is the American Alliance for Theater and Education’s 2017 Winifred Ward Zeta Phi Eta Outstanding New Children’s Theater Company Award. In recognition of its innovative work in theatre for young audiences, Spellbound Theatre has received multiple grant awards from The Jim Henson Foundation and The NYC Department of Cultural Affairs (administered by the Brooklyn Arts Council).
Spellbound Theatre is supported, in part, by
