STAGE WEST, FOUNDED IN 1979, OFFERS A WIDE VARIETY OF PROGRAMMING ON A FULL CALENDAR SCHEDULE INCLUDING MAIN STAGE PLAYS, EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL AGES SUCH AS CLASSES, WRITING CONTESTS, AND FESTIVALS, AND COMMUNITY EVENTS LIKE FIRST TUESDAYS. THE THEATRE ALSO RUNS AN IN-HOUSE CAFE THAT OPERATES FOR THE PUBLIC IN CONJUNCTION WITH ALL PROGRAMMING. IN ADDITION, SAID LOBBY CAFE IS AVAILABLE FOR CATERING FOR THE VARIOUS COMMUNITY RENTALS THAT BOOK DIFFERENT AREAS IN THE THEATRE'S 16,000 SQFT BUILDING. STAGE WEST'S STAFF IS A SEASONED GROUP OF PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS WHO PERFORM THE ADMINISTRATIVE ROLES AS WELL AS CREATE THE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS. THE AUDIENCE-BASE IS EVER-INCREASINGLY DIVERSE IN AGE, RACE, ABILITY, AND INCOME. ABOUT 50% OF INCOME IS EARNED WITH THE OTHER PORTION COMPRISED MOSTLY OF GRANTS AND INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS. STAGE WEST HAS AN ANNUAL CONTRACT WITH THE ACTORS' EQUITY ASSOCIATION, ALLOWING IT TO HIRE A RATIO OF AROUND 50:50 UNION VS NON-UNION ARTISTS. FINALLY, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND USHERS FOR EACH EVENT ARE COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS HELPING TO KEEP THE ORGANIZATION RUNNING SMOOTHLY.