Daniel Stone

Daniel Stone

I am currently an Associate Professor of Theatre at Tarelton State University. I am also co-founder of Sanctuary Stage, an Oregon based theatre company that produces work through socially engaged participatory theatre practice. As an educator, my work is focused on the development of new plays and mentoring students in the realization of their own creative voices. I am currently developing a cycle of theatre...
I am currently an Associate Professor of Theatre at Tarelton State University. I am also co-founder of Sanctuary Stage, an Oregon based theatre company that produces work through socially engaged participatory theatre practice. As an educator, my work is focused on the development of new plays and mentoring students in the realization of their own creative voices. I am currently developing a cycle of theatre for youth plays revolving around environmental issues being experienced by different ecosystems.

Through my work in the arts, I explore what it means to understand the human condition, the impermanence of our existence, and how the sharing of a narrative can offer perspectives that otherwise might not be considered. I believe that participation within the arts creates a lasting connection between the mind, body, and soul. I have maintained a balance between my academic appointments, research, and artistic endeavors throughout my career, focusing on Community-Engaged Participatory Theatre Research, Devised and Applied theatre projects. My theatre projects often focus on conceptualizing and creating new works, either as a writer or director.


Shortly after partnering with Los Angeles-based Cornerstone Theater Company, I co-founded Sanctuary Stage. My work in this field has examined veterans' experiences suffering from PTSD, Immigrant Middle Eastern Muslims residing in rural Oregon, and the stories of migrant Latinos living and working in the City of Independence, Oregon. These projects inspired me to consider new audiences and investigation methods to place ecological issues on stage in Theatre for Youth plays.

There is nothing in this world that I love more than creating a piece of theatre from scratch. As an artist, I find a great deal of satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment when I get to witness with an audience a play that either I have written or have guided through the creation process with an ensemble of actors and designers.

Plays

  • Tango Mike (Thanks Much)
    Set in rural Oregon during a Memorial Day barbecue. Mike "Buddy" McIntyre, an Iraq war veteran, and his family are celebrating the holiday with friends. Buddy’s father, Cooper, unexpectedly shows up after having been estranged from the family for fifteen years. Buddy and his father’s relationship has been strained because of Cooper’s post-traumatic stress disorder he developed during his time in...
    Set in rural Oregon during a Memorial Day barbecue. Mike "Buddy" McIntyre, an Iraq war veteran, and his family are celebrating the holiday with friends. Buddy’s father, Cooper, unexpectedly shows up after having been estranged from the family for fifteen years. Buddy and his father’s relationship has been strained because of Cooper’s post-traumatic stress disorder he developed during his time in Vietnam. Buddy is now facing the same issues, but now with his own family. This play examines how PTSD can affect not only the individual, but the loved ones surrounding the inflicted.

    This play was crated through a community engaged theatre making process. Numerous veterans from all different backgrounds were interviewed and/or participated in story circles. This play contains graphic language and politically incorrect content that I personally do not agree with. However, the play is true to the people and experiences that were interviewed.
  • Josephina Jordan, Junior Underwater Explorer and the Mystery of the Plastic Fish
    The International League of Underwater Explorers has sent their youngest most audacious submarine captain, JoJo, to investigate an ailing sea turtle. She discovers that all sea life is turning into plastic at the hands of a mysterious entity made up of trash and junk that inhabits the deep.