About Book-It

Book-It Repertory Theatre began in 1990 as a company of actors touring throughout Washington, performing at social service agencies, schools, community centers, and libraries. In the unique Book-It style that preserves the narrative text as it is spoken, not by a single “narrator” but as dialogue by the characters in the production, actors performed short stories and reached many audiences who had never seen live theatre. The subject matter of the stories encouraged discussion of topical issues and inspired audiences to read.

Book-It’s primary goal has always been to bring classic and contemporary writing to the stage and convert literary works into theatre. By bringing books to the stage, Book-It’s performances directly address the issue of literacy by striving to make the joy of reading accessible to everyone. Performing books instead of plays allows the Book-It theatre experience to spark the audience’s interest in reading and to challenge the audience to participate by using their imaginations.

Needs Statement

Literacy is a multi-dimensional enhancement to life, yet illiteracy is a fundamental obstacle for one third of King County. In a nation where 40 million Americans are illiterate, Book-It’s mission to inspire people to read becomes increasingly more important.

In a world of growing automation and interactive multi-media, the American Theater is being overwhelmed by the competitive need to produce cinematic-scaled designs on stage. The bombardment of violent images and constant noise on movie and television screens is robbing us of our sensitivity and our attention spans.

Audiences are rarely challenged to participate. Active listening is becoming an endangered skill in our society. Book-It recognizes the need to go beyond the quick-fix entertainment mentality and has garnered a devoted audience of people who love to read. More importantly, Book-It has drawn in people who do not or cannot read, and who leave a performance wanting and needing to change that fact.

Funding and Development

Book-It has received support from the Allen Foundation for the Arts, ArtsFund, The Boeing Company, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, the Breneman Jaech Foundation, the Cultural Development Authority of King County, the Kreielsheimer Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Gladys and Sam Rubinstein Foundation, SAFECO, The Seattle Foundation, and numerous other funders who have demonstrated their belief in Book-It's important mission.

To learn more about supporting Book-It as a volunteer or donor, please contact Kara Vollman, Development Associate, at 206.216.0877 x 105 or by email.