When we last checked in with Cutting Ball Theater, co-founder and artistic director Paige Rogers was breathing a sigh of relief after the company nearly lost its longtime lease at Exit Theater in the Tenderloin.

With a new, long-term lease in place, additional grants secured and new team members on board, Rogers and the tiny experimental theater company are rolling out a few new opportunities for neighbors of all ages to take part in their 18th season—both inside and outside of the theater.

Rolling Out The Red Carpet For Neighborhood Youth 

Engaging with Tenderloin youth has become a larger focus for Cutting Ball. Rogers, who founded the company with her husband in 1999, says she wouldn't be where she was today without the arts education she received in public school in Minneapolis, and she's always wanted to give back to local public schools.

Last fall, the theater company began inviting classes and groups from DeMarillac Academy, Larkin Street Youth Services and the Boys and Girls Club to see shows for free, then stick around after for a discussion with the directors and cast members.

Cutting Ball also started offering internships to local youth, allowing them to lend a hand with set design, lighting and promotion, and earn stipends.

Having learned that theater isn't included in any of the neighborhood schools' curricula, Cutting Ball began offering after-school theater sessions at DeMarillac Academy and Larkin Street Youth Services this year.

So far, these programs have been enlightening for the students, their teachers and the company, Rogers said. Teachers have been surprised to see certain students emerge from their shells to perform stage readings, and avant garde shows that might be difficult for adult viewers to fully grasp have incited lively discussions between students and the crew. Even when painting the stage takes their young interns hours longer than expected, Rogers says it's all still worth it.

Rolling Out Community Nights

Despite the extra attention paid to Tenderloin youngsters, Cutting Ball still has an eye on supporting adults living and working in the neighborhood.

This Friday, Rogers and Cutting Ball's new managing and producing director, Liz Olson, are hosting the company's first community night. 

As nonprofit workers, Rogers and Olson said they know just how hard it can be to make time and money to enjoy the arts and connect with neighbors. So they're inviting employees of local nonprofits and Mid-Market's technology companies to their office (141 Taylor St.) for a 7pm mixer, followed by a performance of the company's current show at 277 Taylor. The event is just $10, and includes a cocktail or a glass of wine at the mixer. If all goes well, they plan to host the event regularly.

Friday's show, the first of the new 2016-2017 season, is Avant GardARAMA!, an assortment of seven different plays from seven different directors, each running roughly 5-20 minutes. Rogers and Olson describe it as a "sampler platter" that offers a taste of the breadth of possibilities in avant-garde theater. Expect to see a mashup of themes and styles, including devised and contemporary works. One play is entirely in Spanish, with subtitles projected. And Hillary and Trump will make an appearance—through dance.

The final showing of Avant GardARAMA! is this Sunday, after which the season will continue with two shows featuring female protagonists: Hedda Gabler and Phedre. Rogers and Olson said they are particularly proud of this lineup given that Cutting Ball is now an entirely women-run organization—a rare breed in the theater industry.

For more more information on Avant GardARAMA! and tickets to the community night, click below and use the code TLNIGHT at checkout. Additional information on Cutting Ball's 18th season can be found here.