Great Things Come In Small Packages (Source: Invisible Theatre)

For fifty years, the Invisible Theatre, one of the smallest theatre venues in the US, has been creating magic on their intimate stage. Taking its name from the invisible energy that flows between performers and the audience, the theatre has created that special connection at each of its performances for the past half century.  Its diminutive managing artistic director Susan Claassen is an extraordinary visionary and leader – who long ago embraced the Invisible Theatre as her raison d’etre.

“I can remember as if it were yesterday, my first experience with the Invisible Theatre. I had moved to Tucson in the early 1970’s and was working at Arizona Civic Theatre (now ATC). I had met Molly McKasson at an audition and we became fast friends. She told me about this new theatre group and asked if I would be interested in seeing what they were doing. I went with “Mols” to the first home of the Invisible Theatre at the Odd Fellows Hall in downtown Tucson. As we climbed the stairs, I heard and drank in the sights and sounds of art being created – dance, music, photography, theatre – it was a hotbed of creativity. I was elated with the vision of what art could be. I knew at that moment I wanted to be part of IT”!

Over the past 50 years, the Invisible Theatre has provided a home to over 1,450 artists who have participated in the production of over 1075 shows (over 200 of which were world premieres) Sarah Bernhardt said, “Life begets life. Energy creates energy. It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich.” “My life is indeed “rich” because I have the privilege of working with an unequaled “wealth” of talent from our marvelous staff and board to every artist who has graced our stage over the last five decades” said Claassen.

Claassen and her Invisible Theatre team are currently planning for the big 50^th “Golden” Anniversary Celebration weekend in October. A Star-Studded Retro Spectacular directed by Associate Managing Artistic Director Betsy Kruse Craig with Musical Direction by Khris Dodge and Katherine Byrnes, will be hosted by “Suz” and “Mols”(Claassen and Molly McKassen) as many of the “old gang” , Invisible Theatre’s greatest talents, come together again.

Betsy Kruse Craig, Associate Managing Artistic Director, says, “I’m honored to be directing IT’s 50th Anniversary Retro-Spectacular, honoring the incredible body of work and the incredible Susan Claassen who has led the theatre with aplomb for over 47 years.  She is truly at the heart of IT’s success, leading with grace, intelligence and a gusto that is incomparable. The past year has challenged so many arts organizations, but Invisible theatre could not be kept down.  We rose up to meet the challenges and proved that with passion and dedication, anything is possible!”

Two performances are planned at the Berger Auditorium – the first at 7pm on October 30^th and the second at 2pm on October 31^st.  Tickets are offered at various levels. General Admission tickets will be $50 per person and will go on sale to the public on July 15^th.  “Fab 50” packages priced at $1000 each include tickets to the cabaret, priority seating, private receptions, fabulous swag bags, promotional recognition and much more.  For tickets and additional information visit  invisibletheatre.com

As part of the 50^th Anniversary festivities the Invisible Theatre’s “Golden Angel Awards” will be presented to three local philanthropic individuals, Mary Ann Stubbs, Elizabeth Smith and Dr. Bella Eibensteiner for their longtime support and dedication to Invisible Theatre. Mary Ann Stubbs has been an integral part of the Invisible Theatre for over thirty years and has opened her home and heart in every way imaginable.  Elizabeth Smith’s decades long involvement with Invisible Theatre represents true altruistic philanthropy. She never misses a performance and her support is truly from the heart.  Dr. Eibensteiner’s involvement with Invisible Theatre is over three decades strong! Bella is not only is a generous supporter, enthusiastic volunteer but also provides free chiropractic care to every artist working at Invisible Theatre, no wonder IT is so “well adjusted”.

The public can help celebrate IT’s 50^th Anniversary by participating in IT’s Good News Top Ten List (a la David Letterman) to be announced at the evening events:

10. Have a favorite production? Share it with betsy@invisibletheatre.com

9. Have a favorite performer ? Share it with betsy@invisibletheatre.com

8. Have a favorite memory? Share it with betsy@invisibletheatre.com

7. Become a “Fab Fifty” Sponsor – Contact alayna@invisibletheatre.com

6. Buy tickets to “The Celebration Cabaret” October 29 – 31, 2021

5. Find out how you can join the IT Board & never be “bored” again!

4. Donate miles to help bring our guest artists to Tucson!

3. Buy an extra Season Ticket for $150 as a gift for someone you love!

2. Sponsor a student and buy an extra Season Ticket!

But most importantly … 1. Please be safe!

“Celebrating this important milestone is all the more-sweet, having weathered these heartbreaking yet hope-filled times, holding a full season of shows by adapting to every road block along the way and with the generous help from Tucson’s wonderful community of artists, funding agencies, businesses, and patrons” said Claassen.

Invisible Theatre is located at 1400 North First Ave Tucson, AZ 85719. For additional information please call 520-882-9721. www.invisibletheatre.com