Welcome.
You belong here.
We are Issue Box Theatre. Where theatre, social justice, education, and community meet.
Imagine a place where theatre is inseparable from social justice, education, and community engagement. That vision is Issue Box Theatre. We believe theatre is capable of transformation, healing, and creates space for human dignity. This belief sits at the core of our mission.
Voices in Action
We describe ourselves as ACTORVISTS
- a clear declaration that we are never just doing theatre.
Our work blends arts-based programming, storytelling, improvisation, and deep community partnerships to ensure what we create is accessible, relevant, and grounded in real lives. We are intentional about reaching people and places that traditional theatre has often overlooked.
Conventional theatre can require travel to unfamiliar spaces, adherence to unspoken rules, and ticket prices that place participation out of reach - especially where affordability is already a barrier. We believe theatre is a life-affirming art form, and access to it should never be limited by circumstance. That belief is what drives us out of the building and into the community - meeting people where they are, and inviting them fully into the experience.
Explore our Programs
See Me
Amplifying voices that are too often silenced
The SEE ME Project lifts up stories of individuals and communities whose voices are often overlooked, excluded from traditional spaces of art, education, and dialogue. Through film, live performance, and storytelling experiences, SEE ME creates intentional spaces where people are invited to listen, reflect, and engage with stories that challenge assumptions and build understanding.
At its core, SEE ME is about visibility, dignity, and connection - centering real lived experiences and creating opportunities for audiences toward empathy, dialogue, and meaningful human connection.
Imagine That!
Creativity, connection, and care through theatre
IMAGINE THAT! programs use creativity, laughter, improvisation, music, and meaningful engagement to elevate the human experience. Through workshops, conversation, and storytelling, we connect with three key communities—youth, adults, and seniors—to foster shared understanding and belonging.
Whether someone is navigating depression or dementia, learning how to respond in a mental-health crisis, or simply feeling isolated, IMAGINE THAT! creates experiences that prioritize joy, dignity, and connection.
Stay Connected
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Calendar
Support the Work
Your support helps us bring theatre into care facilities, shelters, classrooms, and community spaces - where it can make a real difference.
Our programs and workshops provide valuable support for marginalized communities while devising performances to address current issues in the wider community. Your support helps us expand our programs and grow our community.
Testimonials
Hear what others have had to say.
Great job Rosie!! Your enthusiasm is contagious and your sensitivity genuine. Really strong session. I think most of the students at the tables were engaging with the questions- some a bit more than others but overall a good way to get them to interact and respond!
Wow Rosie this is so much more than I ever could have imagined.
You were fantastic last night! I hope your basking in the glow of a triumphant return to the stage.
I keep thinking about the moments of absolute silence in a room of over 100 people when Rebecca would take a pause between moods or moments when we were all in the palm of her hand. So powerful.
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Social work development in action!!
Last week, Artistic Director Rosie Best had the opportunity to lead the social work faculty of the University of Toledo in a training to kick off their new year. This one hour experience focused on letting go of things that wouldn’t serve them this year and resulted in a beautiful art piece, and meaningful connections to each other and the work.
We love supporting social workers!!
#issueboxtheatre #socialwork #universityoftoledo #communityoutreach ...
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Check out Cherry Street Mission’s new thrift store!! 🤩
Saying a big congratulations to our community partners at Cherry Street for this new development furthering the mission of providing resources for folks in our region!!
Visit 2559 S Reynolds Road, Toledo, for clothes, trinkets, and more.
#cherrystreetmission #thriftstore #issuebox #socialjustice ...
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IBT got to present "Infinity" to the Young Artists at Work!
Though we've wrapped the production, the YAAW program invited Rosie and the cast of "Infinity" to come in and present the show to the 2026 cohort of young artists. It was such an impactful day, including great feedback and impact from both the cast and the young artists. Thanks for having us!
#issueboxtheatre #thebelongingproject #socialjusticearts #infinity #homelessness ...
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“The Exonerated” read through featuring our lovely cast!!
IBT is thrilled to begin rehearsals on this production, going up in September. This play by Jessica Blank and Eric Jensen features the stories of 6 people who were released from death row. We can’t wait to bring you more details. Stay tuned for event postings of performances!!
#theexonerated #theatre #socialjusticearts #issueboxtheatre #humandignity ...
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We’re saying a huge THANK YOU to our supporters for making Issue Box Theatre’s run of “Infinity” a success!!✨♾️
Check out these pictures from our last three performances at Cherry Street Mission, Thomas M. Wernert Center, and St. Michael’s - all three of which had 35-50 people in attendance!
We were able to reach 310 audience members with this show and spread the word about ending the stigma surrounding homelessness, and we are so grateful. Thank you to everyone who came to see the performance, and keep up with us online if you want to see more of our work!!
#issueboxtheatre #thebelongingproject #socialjusticearts #infinity #homelessness ...
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Introducing our next project: The Exonerated
After all of our hard work this year on “Infinity,” Issue Box Theatre is thrilled to bring this poignant play to life next. In September, we will be performing this play by Jessica Blank and Eric Jensen, featuring the stories of 6 people who were released from death row.
Rehearsals are underway, and we can’t wait to bring you more details. Stay up to date on our social media!!
#theexonerated #theatre #socialjusticearts #issueboxtheatre #humandignity ...
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