We collaboratively develop original, theatrical projects and

productions that are born of the

historic and modern folklore of our global community.

We welcome people of all ages, physical abilities and life

experiences to participate in our programs. 



Volunteer-based, we are truly a that values and promotes

freedom and diversity, and nurtures the creative spirit that

exists in all human beings. We offer a safe, inclusive,

sacred space to explore, risk, and dream.

 

As a public theatre, our commitment is to make our

outstanding productions accessible to all. We do suggest

a minimum donation of $10-30 per person to support our work, but one can certainly give more or less depending on ability, and your belief in our work as important to the community. 

 

From Founding Director, Henry-Cameron Allen:      

My Story



I was steeped in world culture from an early age. Growing up in Europe and Latin America have had a profound impact on my work as an artist, mentor, clergyman, educator and parent. Surviving cancer, overcoming obesity, single parenting and then losing my beloved 13 year old son to brain cancer in 2008, have taught me many lessons in courage, empowerment and integrity.



My lifelong career as a director, performer, visual artist, writer and arts educator has spanned more than a quarter of a century. I am a graduate of the National Theatre Conservatory's MFA program, studied at the Art Institute of Boston, and have served on the boards of Expressive Arts Collaborative, Outward Spiral Theatre, The North of Boston Arts Center, on the Parent Advisory Board of the University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital, and most recently on the steering committees of  Friends of Dogtown and Gloucester's Arts And Cultural Initiative.



As an actor, I was a grant recipient of Allied Arts, Inc., and have performed extensively with theatre companies in Colorado and Minnesota, including two Tony Award-winning regional theatres.

I was a founding director of the annual Latin American Political Theatre Festival in Minneapolis, and enjoyed longtime relationships with Steppingstone Theatre for Youth Development, and Wells Fargo Bank, MN, as an intergenerational theatre educator and director.

 

I am a jazz vocalist and Master of Ceremonies, performing

regularly at venues throughout Massachusetts as Henry Allen

& the New Swingset. Click our logo for more info:



In addition to my theatrical & music career, I have worked for

many years as an independent arts educator, Life Skills mentor,

creative education specialist and consultant in both public and private schools,

and have also served for many years as a teacher and administrator in two Waldorf schools.

I use many Waldorf principles in my theatre work with children today.

 

                                                                                   After my son became ill in 2006, we founded

                                          The Brain Candy Project together, a non-profit

organization that serves parents who are living in 

     hospitals with their critically ill children. It has,

along with my theatre work, become a way to

  channel my grief in to service.                          

                                                                                              

                                                                                               Click our logo to find out more about us.

                                                     The need is real.



                                                                                          In August, 2009, I moved myself, my two dogs,

                                                                                     and my charitable foundation From MN to MA to  

                                                                           begin a new life. In 2011, with the support of our fiscal sponsor (Fractured Atlas), I founded The Cape Ann/The Annie - a unique, public folkloric theatre company and have since directed, written and produced more than 40 innovative and popular theatrical productions such as The LobstahCrackah Ballet, the TRAGABIGZANDA Political Theatre Festival, our fabulous Young Playwrights' Series and Greasy Pole, The Musical, for which we were presented a 2012 award of recognition by the Gloucester Historical Commission. We closed The Cape Ann/The Annie's doors in late 2012 and have now spread our wings as The Folklore Theatre Company, a founding partner of the Gloucester Harbortown and Rocky Neck Cultural Districts in Gloucester, MA.



Creative life skills education, activism, personal growth and freedom of expression are areas of deep commitment and passion in my life, and I am excited to share them with my community.



In Service,
Henry∞Cameron Allen

HenryAllen@FolkloreTheatre.Company