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

Bloodlust the Musical

Join us for Bloodlust the Musical:
Four strangers receive a party invitation they simply can not refuse: ten thousand dollars to spend one night in the lavish, ancestral home of an eccentric millionaire. The catch? They have to survive to collect the reward. Nobody is who they seem. Some of them aren't even what they seem. The full moon rises once again upon Bloodlust of the Vampire Queen! And this time, it's musical...

We’re seeking actors, singers, stagehands, and production crew. Bring a prepared 90-second monologue and/or song, or read/sing from provided material.

Auditions will take place on Sunday, August 3rd, at 2 pm. Location: The 418 Project's Small Theater. Rehearsals start late August, exact schedule TBD - 2 nights/week + one weekend afternoon.

Shows October 17, 18, 24, 25

Icons

ICONS: Black Women Illuminated is a cabaret-style performance celebrating the creative legacy of iconic Black women artists of the 20th century. Through song, dance, aerial performance, and spoken word, an all Black women and gender-expansive cast from across California brings to life a vibrant exploration of lineage, liberation, and embodied artistry.

The velvet-lit speakeasy is open for one night only. Dress to the nines and come experience deep-rooted ritual and the power of performance to connect us: to ourselves, to each other, and to those who came before.

September 20, 2025 The 418 Project in Santa Cruz, CA