Acclaimed Chance Theater Selects Nonprofit Radiant Futures as Community Partner for "Spring Awakening”

Nonprofit Radiant Futures, formerly Women’s Transitional Living Center, has been selected by Chance Theater, Anaheim’s official resident theater company, to be the community partner for the theater’s production of "Spring Awakening” at the Bette Aitken theater arts Center on the Cripe Stage, running through August 10, 2 025.

The play’s audience and cast will have an opportunity to learn more about Radiant Futures and its relevance as the community partner for “Spring Awakening” an empowerment community night on Thursday, July 24. The social event begins at 6:30- PM in the Chance lobby, with the performance at 7:30 PM, followed by a post-show conversation starting at 10:15 PM.

Radiant Futures is building a safer community by providing crisis support, services for all survivors, and education to prevent domestic violence and trafficking. Radiant Futures patrons will get 30% off full-priced assigned seats through the run of the show. Use code RADFUTSA at http://chancetheater.com/rf A display of Radiant Futures information will also be in the lobby.

Based on Frank Wedekind’s groundbreaking play, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik’s brilliant rock score and searingly emotional book bring the story of sexual awakening, youth revolt, and self-discovery into a new century. It’s 1891, and the grown-ups hold all the cards. Headstrong Melchior and naive Wendla stumble into each other’s arms, passionate and curious, while anxious Moritz struggles to live up to the stringent expectations of society. With only each other for guidance, this group of young men and women travel the fraught and rocky path of adolescence, discovering their bodies, their minds, and themselves along the way. Winner of eight Tony Awards, Spring Awakening features an electrifying fusion of morality, sexuality, and rock and roll, delivering a story that packs a powerful emotional punch.

A statement from Chance says, “Radiant Futures mission to provide crisis support, services, and education, to prevent domestic violence and trafficking, aligns squarely with the Chance’s mission to connect with the community through bold, compassionate theatrical storytelling, which presents the wide multiplicity of social culture, through its struggles and triumphs, particularly with its production of “Spring Awakening.” The community partnership with Radiant Futures and The Chance speaks to the powerful bond that social reform initiatives and the art of the theatre can have to change hearts and minds.”

“We are honored to again be a community partner with the theater for this poignant play that touches on physical and sexual abuse, adolescent sexuality, and complex relationship dynamics,” aid Radiant Future Chief Executive Officer Mark Lee. “These issues are often acutely real for the survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking we serve.”

Lee said adults can make a significant difference in supporting teens by fostering trust, empathy, and open communication. They can create a judgment-free environment where teens feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences. Guiding teens toward professional resources can be life changing.

Radiant Futures offers a Teen Personal Empowerment Program (PEP) that is a psychoeducational group focused on building self-esteem, understanding relationship dynamics, and preventing abuse. The nonprofit also offers one-on-one support with trauma-informed therapists to help teens process their experiences in a safe environment.

Radiant Futures was founded in 1976 as the result of a needs assessment study conducted by the National Organization for Women’s Task Force on Family Violence in Orange County.

Originally created to meet the extraordinary need for shelter services for survivors of domestic violence, the organization has since expanded to provide a comprehensive residential program, a children’s program, a crisis hotline, a community service program, and more. The organization’s main Campus is located in Fullerton, and a second campus opened in Anaheim.

Susan Bowman and Freddie Greenfield, Rachelle Menaker and Eddie Schuller, and Laurie Smits Staude are the Executive Producers for the production. Bette and Wylie Aitken are Executive Season Producers for the entire 2025 schedule.

###

About Radiant Futures (formerly Women’s Transitional Living Center, Inc.)

Radiant Futures is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a safer community in Orange County that is a committed partner providing crisis support, services for all survivors, and education to prevent domestic violence and trafficking. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, contact our 24-hour bilingual helpline at (877) 531-5522 or love@radiantfutures.org. For more information, visit www.radiantfutures.org

ABOUT CHANCE THEATER

Proud to be one of the leading ensemble-driven theatre companies in Southern California, CHANCE THEATER has received the National Theatre Company grant from American Theatre Wing for “nurturing a community of artists in ways that strengthen and demonstrate the quality, diversity, and dynamism of American theatre.” The Chance won 22 OCTG Theatre Awards, including two for Outstanding Production of a Musical (“Next to Normal” and “Fun Home”) and one for Outstanding Production of a Play (“Cry It Out”). Previously, Chance Theater won eight Ovation Awards, including four for Best Production of a Musical (Intimate Theatre), and four LADCC Awards, including the Polly Warfield Award for Outstanding Season. The Anaheim City Council named Chance Theater “the Official Resident Theater Company of Anaheim” in 2014, and Arts Orange County has twice named the Chance as “Outstanding Arts Organization.” Known for using bold and personal storytelling to promote dialogue and connection within the Southern California theatrical landscape, the Chance is committed to contributing to a more compassionate, connected, and creative community. As a constituent member of Theatre Communications Group, The Theatrical Producers League of Los Angeles, and OC Theatre Guild, Chance Theater continues to bring national attention to the Southern California and Orange County theater scenes. Chance Theater is located at 5522 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, California. Chancetheater.com