Who We Are
The Prospect Theater Project is a flexible, 70-seat studio theater and gallery space in downtown Modesto, California. Modesto is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley; a primarily agricultural, but increasingly urban area of central California.
Our Mission
To develop and present traditional as well as new and unconventional work in the theater arts; to encourage innovative alternatives to the community's performing arts repertory of dance, opera and musical theater; to promote collaborations of community theater artists with working professionals; to promote working relationships with regional theaters in adjoining areas; and to reach out to the community through educational activities and multicultural experiences that specifically serve the interests of a culturally diverse and increasingly urban population.
Our History
The idea of PTP began brewing in 1999. Weary of doing theater on an "if and when funding can be found" basis and yearning for a dedicated theater space, a group of committed theater actors, directors, educators, designers, and technicians sought a venue through which they could practice their craft on a regular basis and share their passion for theater with the Modesto community. Casual inquiry eventually morphed into focused discussions, and in October 2000 the Prospect Theater Project was born. PTP incorporated on December 01, 2000, and in February 2001 received its official non-profit designation from the State of California. The Prospect Theater Project was officially recognized by the federal government as a 501(c)3 on May 3, 2001.
PTP began its initial fund-raising campaign in winter of 2001. Our debut was funded solely by the individual donations of a community enthusiastically embracing the idea of innovative theater in an intimate setting. We moved into our present location in March 2001, premiered our first play in April 2001, and started offering workshops the following month. Since its inception, PTP's funding continues to come from individual and corporate contributions, grants, as well as box office receipts and revenue generated from workshops and the occasional rental of our facility.