About Us - Transcendence Theatre Company - Learn the History & Vision

Transcendence Theatre Company
Started with a Big Dream

Transcendence Theatre Company is a growing leader in the production of extraordinary theatrical experiences. Located in Sonoma, California, Transcendence produces a unique seasonal programming of live outdoor Broadway-style concerts, the award-winning Broadway Under the Stars. Performances are presented within the majestic open-air ruins of the Kohler & Frohling Winery at Jack London State Historic Park. Additional performances take place in remarkable locations, both indoor and out, throughout the North Bay in Sonoma, Napa, and Marin Counties.

A 501(c)3 nonprofit regional theatre company, Transcendence was recently named by USA Today 10 Best as the #2 “Best Outdoor Concert Venue You Shouldn’t Miss” in the US and has garnered the Broadway World San Francisco “Theater of the Year’ award in both 2013 and 2014. The Transcendence company of actors is comprised of musical theatre artists with Broadway, National & International Tour, film and major television credits.

OUR VISION

BROADWAY UNDER THE STARS

THE HISTORY

The idea for Transcendence Theatre Company sparked in the mind of our Artistic Director, Amy Miller, in 2007. She started a journey that led her to connect with fellow like-minded artists to bring to fruition the dream of a theatre company that impacted the lives of both artists and a community.

In 2009, fourteen artists embarked on a theatrical experiment when they gathered together to perform, grow, and engage with the community of Punta Banda, Mexico. From there, 6 of the artists, including Amy Miller, husband and co-Executive Director, Brad Surosky, and co-Executive Director, Stephan Stubbins, launched a cross-country trip. They interviewed theatre leaders and began searching for a home for the new theatre company.

While on this RV trip across the US, they found themselves in wine country and knew this was the future home of Transcendence. After years of planning, researching, and dreaming the first Transcendence Theatre Company concert was held at Jack London State Park in October 2011. This initial concert was met with great success, and the community welcomed Transcendence with open hearts. The first full season of Broadway Under the Stars began in summer of 2012, and now, in 2018, we are in our seventh incredible season.

We are all in this together, and we have come so far in a short time! Imagine where we will go in the next 5… or even 50 years!

THE PARK

The moment we landed in Sonoma County, the magic of the park drew us in. Maintained by the Valley of the Moon Natural History Association, Jack London State Historic Park is the perfect backdrop to our award-winning Broadway Under the Stars show. Jack London, the great writer, penned many of his celebrated novels from the cottage that overlooks our stage, and our partnership with the VMNHA means more funding to keep the park open — giving the public ongoing access to the beauty and history of this truly special place.

Board Members

Susan Hoeffel, Board Chairman & Secretary

Amy Miller, Board President

Andrew Koenigsberg

Brad Surosky

Stephan Stubbins

Advisory Council Members

Bradford Davis, Advisory Council Chair

Alain Piallat

Alan Seidenfeld

Andrew Koenigsberg

Chris Stubbins

Carol Nast

David Strand

Jan Hoeffel

Jon Parker

Mark Smigelski

Rob Chimsky

Vickie Soulier

Founders

Amy Miller

Brad Surosky

Leah Sprecher

Randi Kaye

Robert Petrarca

Stephan Stubbins

TRANSCENDENCE CONNECTS

Transcendence has produced over 20 free CONNECTS projects for those living with Alzheimer’s, autism, hospital needs, and underprivileged conditions in the last 5 years.

CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN

Our company has partnered with the Boys & Girls Club, the Mentoring Alliance, Willmar Grief & Healing (SAY), Teen Services Sonoma, and many more on free projects for youth.

OVER $400,000 TO JACK LONDON PARK

Playing an important role in helping to save Jack London State Historic Park in 2012, Transcendence has contributed over $400,000 to the park in last 6 years through Broadway Under The Stars performances.

SHARING THE ENERGY

We have contributed over $107,000 in free tickets to youth, non-profit organizations, and cause-related fundraisers, in addition to performing for free for over 40 partnering non-profit events.

Transcendence Theatre Company
Started with a Big Dream

THE HISTORY

THE PARK

Board Members

Advisory Council Members

Founders

TRANSCENDENCE CONNECTS

TRANSCENDENCE CONNECTS

CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN

OVER $400,000 TO JACK LONDON PARK

SHARING THE ENERGY

OUR SPONSORS

Newsletter Signup

Transcendence Theatre Company Started with a Big Dream

THE HISTORY

THE PARK

Board Members

Advisory Council Members

Founders

TRANSCENDENCE CONNECTS

TRANSCENDENCE CONNECTS

CHAMPIONS FOR CHILDREN

OVER $400,000 TO JACK LONDON PARK

SHARING THE ENERGY

OUR SPONSORS

Newsletter Signup

Transcendence Theatre Company
Started with a Big Dream