Our Mission

The 418 Project supports emerging artists and diverse communities to create a more inclusive world

Our Updated Vision

We envision a world where all people feel safe being together

Who Killed Simon Braggart?

An evening of original theatre, music, and film that will leave you gasping, laughing and wondering...

Everyone wants obnoxious film producer Simon Braggart dead. But who pulled the trigger?

Was it the movie star? The gangster? The madame?

You’ve never experienced the 1940’s quite like this before: join us for an evening of immersive original theater with all original music and film that will leave you gasping, laughing and wondering…

WHODUNNIT?

Only hard-boiled detective Jo Gumption can crack the case in this gritty Hollywood noir murder mystery play. But here's the catch: they need your help.

Tickets now on sale!

Come costumed in 1940’s attire and enjoy the full immersive experience! We promise you cigarette girls, barkeeps, and slick reporters, not to mention a chance to grab an autograph or two at the premiere of Simon Braggart’s last big show. Doors: 7:30 PM. Enter the world of the 1940’s: leave your cares--and possibly your phone--behind, enjoy a period mocktail/cocktail, enjoy live music and mingle with other costumed characters as you wait for the red carpet moment.

Curtain: 8 PM. The stars come out! You’ll be close enough to meet and even get an autograph from legendary film stars of today and decades past as they join you in what promises to be an evening of unexpected events.

Find out why everyone wants Simon Braggart out of the picture...

  • $30 - General Admission
  • $100 - VIP seating (near the celebrities, we promise!)
  • $25 - Student $25 (General Admission seating, must show current student ID at the door)

Any gunshot sound effects you may hear will not be real guns and will not be committing an actual murder. Now you’re warned. Proceeds benefit our artists and the nonprofit 418 Project

Call For Movie Extras

Are you ready for your close-up?

Dive into the glamorous world of the 1940s, embrace the intrigue of crime mysteries, and experience the thrill of a film set! We're inviting YOU to be an extra in our original noir mystery thriller, *Who Killed Simon Braggart?*

Date: Sunday, September 29th Time: 11:30 AM - 5 PM Location: The 418 Project, 155 South River Street, Santa Cruz

Step back in time and join us on set for an unforgettable afternoon where you'll interact with the stars, enjoy live music, and revel in the atmosphere of a 1940’s film premiere. Don your best 1940s attire, mingle at our vintage bar, and add your unique flair to our crowd.

† We're Looking For: - Enthusiasts of cosplay and 1940’s glamour - Individuals who enjoy being part of a creative community - Fans of film and theater, especially mysteries and thrillers


How to Participate: To join the cast as an extra, please send a photo of yourself in your 1940s movie premiere attire no later than September 23 to 418 Project Artistic Director, Laura Bishop. Gender queer interpretations, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+ individuals are highly encouraged to apply.

Send Your Application to: laura@the418project.org Include your email and phone number for follow-up.

Perks: - Enjoy light refreshments on set - Receive a pair of exclusive tickets to our final dress rehearsal on October 16 to be amongst the first to see the live production of Who Killed Simon Braggart?

WIE Call To Artists

What does it mean to be in What is Erotic?

What is Erotic offers an artistic mentorship program where artists recieve support in creating an original performance piece that will be showcased in a professional show benefitting The 418 Project and it's wider community.

Comedy - Burlesque - Pole - Roller Dace - Spoken Word - Theater - A Genre We Have Never Heard Of

Experience and Non-Experience Folks Welcome

Queer, BIPOC, and Introverts Especially Welcomed!

Since 1993, The 418 Project has provided affordable, accessible programming—a home where artists and entrepreneurs can grow their gifts centered around Community, Mindfulness, Art, and Embodiment.

In our new permanent home, we are committed to making a significant difference and we are humbly aiming to create equitable outcomes that benefit all people.

What does this mean? Santa Cruz is in the midst of social and economic change. When redevelopment happens, BIPOC people, women, artists, and teachers are disproportionately affected. The 418 Project’s new permanent facility, located in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz, will serve an estimated 160,000 visits a year, becoming a welcoming home to emerging artists and diverse communities. Our artist-led, locally imagined offerings enrich everyone's lives, creating a healthier, more connected community where people feel safer together.

Think globally, support locally! It’s a great time to support a place that will make a difference, now and for generations to come. Your donation supports accessible space for diverse communities and helps keep working artists in Santa Cruz.

The 418 Project sits on the location of Santa Cruz’s last Chinatown, and the unceded territory of the Awaswas speaking Uypi Tribe. We humbly acknowledge our role as stewards of this land; we commit to be an active part of restoration and social justice, now and in the future.

Offerings

Events

We produce our own events and provide affordable event rentals to the community

Classes

We host many recurring and specialty classes from many local teachers

Community

We provide a space for community events, meetings, and gatherings

Artist Mentorship

We mentor artists and provide space and resources for them to grow

Fiscal Sponsorships

We directly sponsor artists and projects that align with our mission

Theater Company

We host an in house theater company that produces original works

Inclusion

We practice inclusion and diversity in all of our programming

Social Justice

We seek to be a leader in social justice and community building

155 S. River St. Santa Cruz CA, 95060

(831) 466-9770

community@the418project.org