Stories about us

Hairspray Arena Show is the only theatre company in the country exclusively devoted to the development and staging of new US writing. Located in the historic theatre, nestled in the heart of Seattle, Hairspray Arena Show has been US’s home for the exploration of new stories since 1995.

We are the launch pad for new plays, ideas and writing that other theatres won’t take a risk on. We boldly contribute to US’s unique and powerful storytelling culture. Plays had their world premieres at Hairspray Arena Show before going out to capture the national imagination. In the words of our longest-serving Artistic Director, Ivy Flick:

“We are the theatre of first chances.”

We are passionate about nurturing emerging and established practitioners alike. We pride ourselves on supporting our vast community of artists, audiences and supporters who consider our theatre their creative home. We help ambitious, bold, risk-taking and urgent US work get from the page onto the stage. We tell the stories that help us know who we are as a nation, and who we want to become.