We believe in the power of art to engage, inspire, and entertain – and to bring people together and strengthen the local community.
Henrik Melsom Edvardsen
Why the Neighborhood Theatre?
The Neighborhood Theatre is a community theatre initiative aiming to give children, youth, and adults – regardless of background, experience, ability, or financial situation – equal opportunities to experience, learn about, participate in, and express themselves through performing arts.
Through our activities, we build bridges between cultures, promote social and cultural inclusion, and strengthen the sense of belonging. At the same time, we contribute to a diverse and vibrant cultural scene.
This aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 10.2 and the universal values of “Leave no one behind.” The Neighborhood Theatre’s vision is to create a socially and culturally diverse community.
We want to find talent where few are looking, give voice to those rarely heard, and tell stories that are seldom told.
Henrik Melsom Edvardsen
What’s the idea?
At the Neighborhood Theatre, we are passionate about giving more children, youth, and adults the opportunity to express themselves through movement, music, and collaboration in weekly activities in their own neighborhood.
This meeting place—where participants explore their own creativity—is what we call theatre. Because at its core, theatre is the art of being human.
Inspiring Creativity
Through theatre, social interaction and teamwork, we foster social confidence and mental resilience. We learn to face challenges, overcome them—and express ourselves freely. Theatre can be liberating, especially when we discover our own potential.
Experience shows that when people learn to express themselves through movement, music, voice, and interaction, creativity is stimulated. At the same time, it fosters respect—for both oneself and others.
A Safe and Caring Community
Art creates space for critical thinking and problem-solving, offers room for personal reflection, and helps build shared meaning. In an increasingly fragmented world, theatre has the power to build bridges, foster belonging, and contribute to a vibrant cultural life that engages, inspires, and entertains. It unites and strengthens—and lays the foundation for a safe and caring local community.
Diversity and Innovation
The diversity of people and cultures will, over time, provide the foundation for bold and innovative performances—created in various parts of the neighborhood, together with local residents.
Using participants’ own stories as a starting point, we aim to ask big questions about our community and the world around us. We will also collaborate with exciting professionals and artists to explore the past, the present, and possible futures.
These Are Our Values
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The Neighborhood Theatre should reflect our times and create space for new perspectives, encounters, and conversations.
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Everyone who works with us or visits us should feel welcome and respected.
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We are committed to amplifying a broad range of voices and cultures—both on stage and in our activities.
A Non-Profit Company
The Neighborhood Theatre was established as a non-profit limited company in January 2025, with a mission to operate as a social and cultural entrepreneurship initiative. Being non-profit means no profits can be distributed as dividends.
The theatre was founded with startup support from the neighborhood incubator Storhaug Unlimited, part of Stavanger Municipality’s urban development initiative.