Red Ladder Theatre Company: A Word from the Founder

I believe that two of the most important elements in Red Ladder are time and listening.

The Red Ladder program was born out of my desire to have more of an impact on participants, and I didn’t feel it was possible to do that by working with a group just once, or with an assembly-type program. Working with small groups, however, over extended periods of time, promised a way to develop real relationships and have a more lasting effect. This would represent a fundamental way of doing things at Red Ladder, and it would require the support of the Rep and generous funders who appreciated the investment we would all be making. A touring show or assembly would be a horizontal approach which might reach thousands of people at a time, and is a viable and important aspect of reaching out to underserved populations. Red Ladder, on the other hand, would be a vertical approach, focusing on a hundred people initially, hopefully to grow, and seeking a deeper effect.

So I had the form—the structure, if you will—but I still needed to know what Red Ladder was going to look like. I turned to community leaders, social service professionals and teachers and asked them. I didn’t want Red Ladder to replicate existing programs, and yet I wanted it to be familiar enough to be relevant, something both the community and participants could relate to. I think we’ve accomplished that, too.

Red Ladder has grown and developed dramatically over the years. And I expect that growth to continue, as we spend time in our community and really listen to the thoughts and needs of our participants.

The best ideas, partnerships and relationships truly have come from individuals such as yourself, who may have heard of the Red Ladder program, or perhaps worked with us, or were just interested enough to view this website. What you have read will give you an idea of where Red Ladder has been, along with some notable and proud achievements, to be sure. Where we’re headed can be up to you. Give us a call and we’ll make the time.

- John McCluggage

For more information about Red Ladder’s participants, outcomes, and methods, please contact us by phone, letter, or email. You may also arrange to observe a Red Ladder session with a group of your choosing or request a copy of the Red Ladder program video.