Performance Art

Muse of Fire Theater Company

At The 418 Project, we believe that the arts, especially local arts, are a pillar of social change.

As an artist-led organization staging original performance art for over 25 years, we are proud to bring you Muse of Fire Theater Company, a multi-disciplinary production cooperative celebrating and strengthening diverse voices, perspectives and talents.

Leadership.

Our in-house productions are led by The 418 Project Creative Team, a group of working artists from diverse communities who come together to write, choreograph, film, compose, direct and produce our shows.

We Believe:

When emerging artists and diverse communities get the resources they need, our world becomes less violent and fearful. We provide mentorship, fiscal sponsorship, professional development, and no-to low-cost studio, teaching, workshop and performance opportunities, so our artists can earn income, find audiences, and grow in their leadership.

You Can Be in This Show:

We welcome both those with experience and those new to the stage, and also those who aren't yet ready to perform. Be part of our community! Every year we invite your contributions and in turn, share our resources and experience to help create a world where all people feel safer being together.

What Is Erotic?

An Original Theatre & Dance Program
Where we ask One Provocative Question...

Our Mission

In answer to a culture of objectification, What is Erotic? leads from the heart, breaking through stereotypes to spark a safer and more vibrant conversation around sexuality, sensuality, and empowerment.

What does it mean to be in What is Erotic?

It is more than a theatre show. It is a unique opportunity to step into places where you’ll feel sometimes vulnerable and most definitely vividly alive. WIE presents the chance for even those experienced on stage and many with little to no prior experience to take part in a respectful, safe environment that becomes a highly professional theater production.

Artistic Opportunities.

What is Erotic? provides artistic growth opportunities, whether a participant is involved once or over a span of years. An audience member can become a performer, a stagehand, a writer, a dancer a costumer, a production assistant or a choreographer, as individual artistic strengths are fostered.

Every fall The 418 Project invites people of all experience levels, from professional performance artists to those with no stage experience, to apply. What Is Erotic? and has mentored hundreds, and has been seen by thousands. WIE participants experience a safe space to reach deep, sometimes into edgy or personal material and be seen in a professional and supportive environment that fosters artistic and personal growth and expression.

Join Us

Here are some current opportunities to see our work or get involved

Who Killed Simon Braggart?

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 m urder 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.

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 is Erotic offers an artistic mentorship program where artists receive 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!