THE FOUNDry
forge theater labs PRODUCING AND PARTNERSHIP INIATITIVE
Where Maine’s Boldest Ideas Take Shape
Every production begins with a spark. Long before opening night, there’s the work of planning, building, collaborating, problem-solving, and imagining what a production can become.
The Foundry is Forge Theater Labs’ producing and partnership initiative, created to strengthen theater across Maine by providing the expertise, leadership, and collaborative support that ambitious artistic projects need to thrive.
We partner with Maine-based artists, companies, festivals, and community organizations to transform ideas into productions through thoughtful producing, strategic planning, operational leadership, and creative collaboration. Whether helping launch a new work, co-producing an existing project, or providing behind-the-scenes guidance, we invest in the people and processes that make exceptional theater possible.
Because when artists are supported, the entire theatrical ecosystem grows stronger.
Why The Foundry Exists
Maine is home to an extraordinary community of artists, producers, designers, technicians, educators, and storytellers. What often stands between a compelling artistic idea and a successful production isn’t creativity—it’s capacity. Independent artists frequently become producers overnight. Small organizations stretch limited staff across ambitious seasons. New partnerships emerge without the infrastructure needed to sustain them.
The Foundry exists to bridge that gap.
Rather than asking artists to carry every responsibility themselves, we become collaborators in the process—bringing producing expertise, organizational strategy, logistical coordination, and operational leadership to projects that strengthen Maine’s cultural landscape. We aren’t here to replace existing companies.
We’re here to help them build bigger, smarter, and more sustainably.
WHAT WE OFFER
Every partnership begins with listening. From there, we tailor our involvement to meet the needs of each project.
Co-Producing
We partner with organizations and independent artists to help bring productions to life, sharing responsibility for planning, coordination and execution while preserving each project’s artistic identity.
Production Leadership
From production management and scheduling to vendor coordination and operational planning, we help guide complex projects from first meeting to final performance.
Strategy & Planning
Strong productions begin with strong plans. We assist with budgeting, timelines, staffing, feasibility studies, production calendars, and long-term planning that aligns artistic ambition with practical execution.
Creative Partnership
As directors, dramaturgs, designers, producers, and collaborators, we contribute creative insight throughout the development process while helping teams navigate artistic and organizational challenges.
Building Connections
The strongest theater communities are built through relationships. We connect artists, organizations, venues, technicians, designers, educators, and community partners across Maine to encourage collaboration and resource sharing.
Building Capacity
Beyond individual productions, we help organizations strengthen internal systems, production workflows, communication practices, and sustainable operating models that continue serving them long after a single project closes.
SPONSORSHIP
And yes, we recognize that some productions will need fiscal support; we can help bridge that gap.
Who We Partner With
The Foundry works with organizations and artists who are expanding what’s possible for theater in Maine.
That includes:
Independent theater artists
Community organizations
Festivals and special events
Universities/Educational institutions
Interdisciplinary collaborations
Civic and cultural partners