Crowded Fire Theater (CFT) serves as an indispensable home for new play production on the West Coast. We seek to contribute to the creation of a contemporary canon that truly reflects the world in which we live, thus championing diverse voices on stage is one of our preeminent core values. CFT is committed to presenting work that privileges female playwrights and the multiplicity of experiences within communities of color and LGBTQ communities. In addition to three mainstage shows each season, we offer a robust new play development program through The Matchbox: Commissioning and Development Program. The Matchbox actively supports the creation of high quality contemporary theater through commissions, in-house workshops, and an annual free public reading series. We cultivate long-term relationships with playwrights, producing much of the work we commission and develop. The playwrights who come on board with CFT have powerful, sharp-edged plays, in great need of a producer who will take a risk on new, untested work. A producing home for local writers such as Christopher Chen and Lauren Gunderson, CFT also serves as a West Coast launching ground for emerging writers such as Christina Anderson and Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig. CFT is composed of an ensemble of Resident Artists made up of top Bay Area actors, designers, and dramaturgs. This ensemble, with its multiplicity of interests and ideas, as well as the dedication and talent of its members, represents one of the company's most significant strengths. An integral part of the producing season, each of the Resident Artists contributes to at least one project each year. All of our Resident Artists have an active voice in the company’s project selection and artistic vision. Although the Resident Artists are paid on a project-by-project basis, they volunteer their time for load-ins, strikes, selling concessions, sitting on the Literary Committee, monthly company meetings, and fundraising events.