We shine a spotlight on stories that aren't often told in our community. SAGITTARIUS PONDEROSA is by a prolific trans playwright that centralizes a genderqueer person’s perspective of transitioning within a family. LEAR will be the first play by an Asian American female playwright in Chattanooga in well over a decade and will be an act of reclamation for actors of color in these Shakesperian roles.

Our processes are wholly inclusive and our volunteers off-stage are equally impacted by the meaningful opportunities we provide. An LGBTQ+ volunteer from our previous seasons summarized their experience with Obvious Dad as follows: “I think I speak for all the volunteers involved [in the productions] when I say this. Where I’m from, people like myself aren’t included. We are outcasts and outliers. Even in theatre I have, at times, felt as if I was on the outskirts of social circles. For the first time in a very long time, I felt included, I felt seen... I am optimistic about my own future and worth.”

One of the main reasons we created Obvious Dad was to provide an outlet for audiences seeking professional theatre that takes chances. Many locals are traveling to Atlanta, Nashville, Chicago, New York, and beyond to see this level of production. Now, they can stay and participate locally.

We don't believe in creating passive entertainment—we've got something to say and we want to start a conversation that goes beyond the walls of our theater. We instill our values in our shows. Click here to read about our mission and our values.