To enlighten the mind by way of the Arts through the African-American experience.
History
Stage Aurora, a 501 c (3) non-profit organization, was founded in 2003 under the leadership of Darryl Reuben Hall, and began as an opportunity to provide the underserved people of Jacksonville’s Northside with a venue to grow, share and exhibit their professional skills, creative works of art and culture.
As an emerging non-profit theatrical organization, Stage Aurora is quickly becoming Florida’s leading theatre in quality African-American dramas, comedies and musicals.
Stage Aurora launched the Community Outreach and Educational Series, providing educational programming in the Arts for Jacksonville youth. Stage Aurora presents student matinees for Mainstage productions and a children's musical/concert series, which received special recognition for participation in the Mayor’s Christmas Party.
Stage Aurora annually reaches well over 3,000 students from the Jacksonville area through the following programs:
- 100 Youth Voices – Musical Theatre Program (ages 5-21)
- Performing Arts Literacy (PAL) Initiative (Kindergarten – 2nd grade)
- Performing Arts Summer Institute (ages 6-18)
Additional community outreach:
- Annual Aurora Jacksonville Black Arts Festival
- Aurora Lecture Series
Stage Aurora completed the formative phase of the theatre with the creation of the Mainstage Series, which was designed to encompass the essence of cultural enrichment and diversity.
Mainstage productions provide opportunities for local and statewide artists to share and exhibit their wealth of talent.
- To collaborate and share with existing theatrical organizations both locally and nationally in an effort to present the best artistic work.
- To develop a multicultural audience that best exemplifies the standards of Stage Aurora as an institution of the essence of the human experience.
- To serve as an establishment and foundation for the creation and growth of new works of new artists, writers, directors, musicians, lyricists combined with new ideas and concepts exploring creativity and innovations in theatrical production.