Artistic Director Season Welcome 25-26

Artistic Statement 2025-26

I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.
– Jo March, Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women

These words from Jo March ring true as I begin my second season as TBI’s Artistic Director. And once again I am indebted to the people who continue to believe in me. Brenda is a creative partner where I consistently find new ways to be inspired and uplifted. She is patient and kind as well as challenging and ambitious, building a strong foundation where the ideas I present to her can grow. Shonda brings a creative light to shine in places I didn’t even know needed better lighting. Working with her inspires me to think even more broadly while staying focused on our mission. Our board trusts the decisions we make and supports us when we say “Let’s see what happens” (which is one of my favourite phrases). Our audiences trust us when we say “come see our shows, they are worth the ticket price”. Our donors trust us when we say “your money is doing good work and is so very appreciated”.

This is the 10th Anniversary of The Bridge Initiative consistently producing work. That is due to Brenda’s hard work and tenacity, her ability to lean on people, and trust that theater isn’t created alone or in a vacuum. She believes it’s possible but keeps her ear to the ground and knows what is going on. Valuable and powerful voices have been heard because of Brenda and her guidance. 

Never doubt that you are valuable and powerful
– Hillary Rodham Clinton

As we continue to forge TBI’s legacy, I do not take my leadership position lightly. Much like Jo, I am not afraid of storms. More often than not, I welcome them. Because storms happen when you venture into the unknown. Storms happen when you chart a course away from the shore. Storms happen when you challenge the norm and ask for more. And storms are survivable when you have a strong ship. Deciding to build upon the strengths of our past seasons allows us to brave any storm we may face as we produce our 2025/26 season.

Once again we are partnering with ASU Kerr to bring you a variety of powerful productions. In August we are presenting “Rebels & Royals” with Arizona Actors Academy. In September we’re celebrating our season kick-off with a singalong in partnership with Musical Theater Alliance of Arizona. One of the mission statements for TBI is to raise voices in our community. This night of singing is sure to do just that. We also have on tap four musical cabarets, a one-woman show, a play reading, and a musical concert of “Little Women.” Each of these productions is another chance for the performers and artists in our community to be heard. There is nothing I like more, as an artistic director, than creating space for creative people to create and share their stories.

In March, we are back at TCA, producing two shows in rep. We did this in our season last year, and it was successful. Our audiences came to watch the powerful performances and stayed to chat about how these performances resonate  mean for our community. We have invited Laura Durant to bring her tour-de-force production of “I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers” by John Logan. I was not able to see it in 2022 and I am so excited to bring it back for all of us this spring. What a legend to have on our stage! In rep with that show is “Stop Kiss” by Diana Oh, a play about the struggles and resilience of our queer community. This play has been on our wish list for a few seasons and I am so proud to bring this story to Tempe. 

This season is an undertaking like none we have done before. And we are only able to do it because of the community we are building, which you are a part of. So many people are excited to work with us, we were able to book out the cabaret season in record time. We had to add more dates because people are excited to work with us. That is a definite win. 

Do we need more money? Of course we do! And I will keep asking for it from anyone who will listen. Do we need more support? Of course we do! No one thrives on their own, and that is the goal for the Bridge Initiative as we sail into this “Valuable and Powerful” new season.

Always,

Amie Bjorklund

Artistic Director, The Bridge Initiative

I want to do something splendid…something heroic or wonderful that won’t be forgotten after I’m dead. I don’t know what, but I’m on the watch for it and mean to astonish you all someday.
– Louisa May Alcott