Meet Whitney Stange | Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Whitney Stange and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Whitney, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
From a very young age, I loved theatre. I remember being entranced, witnessing humans transform into living storytellers. Theatre is a powerful vehicle that brings stories to life and connects us to one another. I founded Storïwr Theatre Company because I believe in the creative abilities of young people, and providing unique artistic experiences that encourage them to dream, design, and create, to learn about one another and the world around them.

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Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We offer specialized boutique theatre experiences tailored to the students we work with. We view theatre as a team sport and recognize that not every young person in the room necessarily wants to be the star. Theatre has so many ways “in” for young people, and we take a very hands-on approach. Theatre is the ultimate example of project-based learning, and we involve students in all aspects of the process.

Our teaching artists empower kids to think creatively, dream, and brainstorm their ideas. From planning out specific character choices, crafting a costume piece, prop, or set piece, creating a sound effect or lighting choice that amplifies the story being told, we honor the unique contributions of each participant. Nothing is more rewarding than culminating a piece of theatre with young people when they have been involved in every aspect of the theatre-making process.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles is a great place for cultural experiences!

Of course, I would take my best friend to a show at the Ahmanson Theatre. We would also spend a whole day at the Natural History Museum and the California Science Center (both free) and then walk around the rose gardens. I also love the Getty Center in Brentwood and the Getty Villa in Malibu (both free). While in Malibu, a visit to Zuma Beach would be a must. We would go listen to the symphony perform at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

For a special Sunday brunch, we would go to Castaway in the hills of Burbank. We would sit outside on the patio and enjoy the beautiful view.

One day, we would grab a burrito from Yuca’s on Hillhurst in Loz Feliz (the chile verde burrito is incredible), take it to Griffith Park, sit outside on a picnic table, and then check out the Griffith Observatory. The boutiques in this neighborhood are great to shop in, too.

Near Universal Studios, there is a great little Italian restaurant called Angelino’s. The owner is so gracious, and the food is great.

We would certainly keep ourselves very busy that week!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
We wouldn’t be here today without the schools and parents that we partner with. The Parent Associations, administrators, and staff at 3rd Street Elementary School, Melrose Elementary School, Hancock Park Elementary School, Van Ness Elementary School, Luther Burbank Middle School, and Westmark School value arts education for their students. The Storïwr teaching artists and staff are all exceptional people who bring a passion for the performing arts and a love of teaching to the students we have the privilege of working with.

Website: https://storiwr.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storiwrtheatreco

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneystange

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Storiwrtheatreco/

Image Credits
Alex Crawford at @alexcrawfordphoto and Joe Clark at @onehellacooldude