Transcendence Theatre Company
Transcendence Theatre Company is a professional regional theatre company founded in 2008 in Sonoma County, California. The company produces Broadway concerts and musicals.
It presents both outdoor and indoor musical performances. The company's primary venue is an open-air stage at Jack London State Historic Park.
History
Transcendence Theatre Company was established in 2008 as a 501c3 non-profit performing arts organization.The company produces musical theatre performances in both outdoor and indoor settings, most notably in Jack London State Historic Park. Since 2011, it has hosted an annual summer series called Broadway Under the Stars, which presents musical revues with a rotating cast. Performers in the series have included artists with backgrounds in national and international stage productions.
Founders include Amy Miller, Brad Surosky, and Stephan Stubbins.
Timeline of performances and notable company developments
2010 Project Knowledge
On February 20, 2010, TTC held a benefit performance at the American Film Institute in Los Angeles to formally announce "Project Knowledge," a three-month research tour across the United States in RVs.Project Knowledge began on March 2, 2010. Participants interviewed during Project Knowledge included Molly Smith, Curt Columbus, Bill Rauch , Ken Davenport, Mike Daisey, Todd London, Abigale Adams, Joseph Haj, Dudley Cocke, Bob Leonard, Polly Carl, Cynthia Rider, Wayne Bryan, Anthony Radich, Jim Caron, Kurt Beattle, Carlo Scandiuzzi, Greg Phillips, Creon Thorne, Joan Schirle, Arlene Goldbard.
2011 Benefit concert
In 2011, TTC produced "Broadway Under the Stars," a benefit concert for the Valley of the Moon Natural History Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that manages Jack London, Annadel, and Sugarloaf Ridge State Parks. Fourteen Performers donated their time to sing in the benefit.2012 Season - First full season
In 2012, TTC produced its first full season of concerts in Jack London State Historic Park. A portion of the proceeds from each concert was donated to the Valley of the Moon Natural History Association. The season included four separate themed concerts with a total of 14 nights of performances, as well as a Broadway kids camp for children ages 8–18.2014 Season - Paint The Universe
In 2014, TTC's season theme was Paint the Universe. The company partnered with Benziger Family Winery to develop an exclusive wine blend named Paint the Universe, collaborated with singer-songwriter Carrie Manolakos to produce an original season song written by Carrie Manolakos, Andrew Allen, and Robin Ghosh, and partnered with artist Lindsay Manolakos for an original painting inspired by the season's theme.2015 Season - Best Night Ever
In 2015, TTC's season theme was Best Night Ever. The company produced a season of four "Broadway Under the Stars" concerts between June 19 and September 13 in Jack London State Historic Park. The concerts were entitled "Oh What A Night," "Fantastical Family Night," "Rhythm of Life," and "Gala Celebration Concert." In addition to being presented at Jack London State Historic Park, on June 24, 2015, "Oh What A Night," was presented at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. The company also produced a concert series entitled "Transcendence Artist Series" and presented the shows at various venues around Sonoma County, including Paradise Ridge Winery and Jacuzzi Winery. The concerts in that series included "Superheroes in Love," "Megan Hilty in Concert," "Off To The Cloud," and "Imagine." December 4–5, TTC presented their first ever holiday show at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. The show was entitled "Joy to the World."2019 Season
In 2019, TTC produced its first book musical, "A Chorus Line," in the ruins of Jack London State Historic Park as a part of its Broadway Under the Stars summer season.2020 Season - Co-founder departure and Virtual Performances
In January 2020 TTC Co-founder and Co-Executive Director Stephan Stubbins publicly announced he was departing the company to reside in New York City with his new wife, Broadway actress, Libby Servais.Beginning in July 2020 TTC produced four separate virtual productions: "Don't Stop Believin'," "Fantastical Family Night," "I Hope You Dance," and "The Gala Celebration." The productions ran between July 24 - September 13.
2021 Allegations of toxic culture
In February 2021 TTC Director of Education and Community Engagement Nikko Kimzin publicly announced that he had resigned, stating his reasons as “…the Transcendence Executive Team’s ongoing suppression of equity, diversity, and inclusion practices and inaction toward becoming an equitable theater” and for their creation of “a hostile work environment where I could no longer be successful in serving all of our diverse communities.” The organization received further coverage of their efforts to address the situation.2025 Season - Best Night Ever
In 2025, Transcendence Theatre Company is presenting a new season featuring three productions:Broadway's Best Night Ever
Beautiful – The Carole King Musical
Ladies of Broadway
The season continues the company's tradition of combining Broadway talent with the scenic backdrop of Jack London State Historic Park. Each production offers a blend of musical theatre favorites, contemporary hits, and original storytelling, showcasing a diverse lineup of performers from national tours and Broadway stages.