Our Mission

American Lives Theatre engages, provokes and entertains by presenting a mirror to this country, reflecting the lives and history of all Americans with new work and neglected classics. We tell stories that boldly cry out the truth of all that is thrilling, unjust, terrifying, joyful, absurd, brave, shameful and ultimately compassionate which embody the elusive spirit of these united - and often divided - states.

‘Predictor’ by Jennifer Blackmer, 2023, Photo courtesy of Hillary Gordon Photography

Our Values

We value inclusivity – in casting, hiring and scope of work. We seek to represent the whole array of American lives.

We value community. We believe in serving Indy by selecting plays that speak urgently to our city. This is a factor in play selection, and it is why the majority of our artists and leadership will always consist of Indy residents.

We value colleagues and friends in Indianapolis theater, and therefore seek to produce work that is either entirely new to Indianapolis or is ready to be revisited.

We Hold Sacred… the transformative power of art and vow only to produce work that reaches deeply within to reflect, question, and examine who we are as individuals, human beings, and Americans.