Mission Statement 

The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company (US) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) that exists to bring theatre arts to youth from the foster care and juvenile justice systems. Through improvisation and writing exercises, professional in the arts work to help young people create original theatre.  Our programs cultivate pride, racial tolerance and social consciousness. 

History

The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company (US) was founded in 1993 by actress Laura Leigh Hughes, following the civil unrest of the Los Angeles riots.  The purpose was to empower youth and to deter them from acting out in a negative way by giving them a powerful and constructive tool for communication – theatre, as a means of breaking down barriers between rival gangs and various adversaries within communities. 

“I feel strongly that we are all connected, and The Unusual Suspects strengthens my belief each year we have been in existence.  The children in this program have such enormous potential; unleashed, their work is a source of incredible power for themselves, our communities, and our nation.”