Rogue Theatre Celebrates 20 Years of Riveting Classical & Contemporary Masterpieces

The Rogue Theatre has become a cornerstone for actors and audiences in Tucson, providing a vibrant space just north of Downtown for theatrical performances that consistently draw crowds and critical acclaim.

Marking its 20th anniversary, the Rogue is gearing up for a compelling season featuring works by William Shakespeare, as well as other daring and eclectic performances. Since its incorporation and subsequent nonprofit status in 2005, founders Cynthia Meier and Joseph McGrath have tirelessly worked to offer an intimate and imaginative theater experience.

“I initially thought, ‘about five years.’ If we lasted five years, that would be great,” McGrath reflected. “It’s now been 20 years.”

Transforming an old gymnasium space at the Historic Y on 300 E. University Blvd. into a flexible black box theater, the duo has created a venue capable of shifting from a traditional proscenium stage to an in-the-round setup.

Meier and McGrath’s partnership began in 2002 during a staged reading for Old Pueblo Playwrights. “Joe asked if I ever wanted to do ‘A Moon for the Misbegotten,'” Meier said. “I thought he was a big producer ready to cast me.” “Turns out…”

“I was not a big producer,” McGrath added with a laugh.

Their journey began in an empty classroom at Pima Community College, where Meier was an administrator. They rehearsed every Monday for nearly a year, blending McGrath’s Juilliard training and set design expertise with Meier’s theatrical talents and administrative acumen, ultimately leading to the Rogue Theatre’s establishment.

“We aspired to tackle the towering works of literature,” Meier noted. “And we needed an audience ready for such climbs.”

The Rogue’s repertoire often merges classic and contemporary pieces, and the theater, which seats about 160, is known for its “scenically sparse” productions, according to McGrath.

“Intimate theater is a significant strength for us,” Meier emphasized. “It’s more visceral.”

Live music has also been a consistent element. The upcoming 2024-25 season showcases plays like “The Skin of Our Teeth” by Thornton Wilder, “If on a winter’s night a traveler” by Italo Calvino, and “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare.

“We do Shakespeare annually,” Meier said. “And we strive to make it accessible to our audience.”

The theater is also focusing on incorporating works by people of color. The pandemic pushed Meier and McGrath to adapt quickly, launching online initiatives almost immediately.

“Those were some of our most inventive years,” Meier said. This period also saw the inception of Rogue Radio with Arizona Public Media, presenting dramatized stories via radio. They transitioned to socially distanced shows and streamed productions for audiences preferring to watch from home.

Matt Walley, part of the acting ensemble since 2011, praised the theater’s quality. “The work has kept me at Rogue,” he said. “They’ve truly created a theatrical home.”

Actress Carley Elizabeth Preston, a member since 2019, echoed the sentiment. “It’s a family,” she said. “There’s a creative openness here.”

As they celebrate 20 years, the support from theater-lovers has been vital. “Turning fear into an adventure has been key,” Meier concluded.