Hitchhiker’s Theatre: The Stage Where Art Becomes Community

Hitchhiker’s Theatre is one of Spokane’s newest and most innovative theatre companies, founded in 2024 by Sienna and her partner, Joe, after the two saw an opportunity to build something meaningful within Spokane’s creative landscape. When they received a tax return that spring, Sienna encouraged Joe, who holds a degree in theatre, to invest it into producing and directing a show. What started as a simple idea quickly turned into something much bigger than a single production.

After collaborating with Blue Door Theater, both fell in love with the power of theatre when it is used to create connection rather than simply performance. Recognizing how separated people can feel in modern life, they wanted to develop a space where individuals could gather, engage, and experience shared storytelling. From this vision, Hitchhiker’s Theatre was born not as a traditional company, but as a community-driven movement rooted in belonging, creativity, and accessibility.

I recently had the privilege of speaking with Sienna, who shared the heart behind Hitchhiker’s Theatre and the mission that continues to shape their work.

One of the company’s most defining qualities is their commitment to immersive, site-specific productions that reach people where they already are. Instead of performing strictly in theatres, Hitchhiker’s Theatre intentionally selects meaningful and sometimes unexpected locations. In September 2024, they presented an adaptation of “The Importance of Being Earnest” in the Moore-Turner Heritage Gardens, where audience members shared tea and cucumber sandwiches while interacting with the actors in the garden itself. Their philosophy is simple: if audiences are willing to follow, they will be shown some of the most unique and captivating places in Spokane while experiencing theatre in a new and memorable way.

As the organization evolved, so did its mission. Through auditions, workshops, and rehearsals, it quickly became clear that many aspiring actors and behind the scenes creatives wanted to get involved, but didn’t know where or how to begin. Hitchhiker’s Theatre embraced this need by intentionally welcoming and developing new actors, stage managers, directors, designers, marketers, musicians, and production team members. Their intention is not only to build strong shows, but to open doors for new artists who are passionate but may lack training, opportunity, or confidence.

Their first production, “Waiting for Godot,” helped establish the practices and values that define them today. Later, their Season 1 finale, “She Kills Monsters,” proved that even with minimal financial resources, a community-driven theatre can deliver large-scale productions without compromising quality, message, or emotional impact.

Of course, with a bold mission comes new challenges. Because the company’s vision involves bringing theatre to non-traditional spaces such as gardens, galleries, and museums, pitching the idea to venues can be daunting. Yet, with each conversation, hesitation becomes curiosity, and curiosity becomes partnership a testament to the creativity and trust at the center of Hitchhiker’s Theatre’s identity.

One of their most notable productions, “5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche,” resonated deeply with Spokane’s community and was celebrated as a major success. The company shared that queerness has always existed in theatre’s history, yet today it is often conditionally accepted or limited. Producing a story that was bold, humorous, and unapologetically queer was meaningful not only for audiences, but also for the creative team behind it. The show additionally marked a local creative milestone, as it served as the directorial debut of Sydney Anderson, whose vision and leadership set the tone for a thoughtful and memorable production.

While audiences see the final performance, Hitchhiker’s Theatre emphasizes that the work behind the curtain is just as essential. Their designer, Auburn, plays a significant role in props, set pieces, costumes, graphics, and promotional materials, putting in countless hours to bring each production to life. Stage managers handle logistics, communication, reporting, lighting, and sound often serving as the unseen backbone that keeps every detail aligned and on track.

Hitchhiker’s Theatre is deeply shaped by Spokane itself. Meetings, rehearsals, and creative planning often take place in local businesses and public spaces, reinforcing their commitment to the community they serve. They have also received support from other Spokane theatre and educational institutions including Blue Door Theater, Stage Left, Whitworth University, Gonzaga University, and The Guardian.

Looking forward, the team hopes to continue expanding accessibility, representation, and creative inclusion in Spokane’s theatre scene. Their long-term goal is to obtain a dedicated rehearsal and workspace that could serve as a home for set building, costume storage, and creative collaboration, while still maintaining their core value of performing across the city.

Hitchhiker’s Theatre believes that community theatre is for everyone. The difference between audience and artist is smaller than people think, and anyone who feels even a spark of interest is encouraged to get involved. Theatre is not manufactured overnight it is made by real people, in real spaces, with real stories, for their real community.

Their upcoming double-feature production “The Yellow Wallpaper” and “The Most Dangerous Game” will run December 5-13 at 7:00 PM at the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture. Doors will open at 6:30 PM, followed by a short mocktail hour before showtime. Tickets are available at www.hitchhikerstheatre.com/shows. Come support!