HISTORY

Mildred’s Umbrella  began in 2001 when local actress Jennifer Decker and poet and playwright John Harvey (Ph.D., University of Houston Creative Writing Dept.) decided to bring together a group of artists and actors to create a collaborative theatrical piece written by John Harvey. The production was a success, earning positive press attention and the attention of many other local artists who wanted to be involved in future productions, and inspired the duo to achieve non-profit status and make plans for another production.

Over the course of several years and under the energetic guidance of artistic director Jennifer Decker, Mildred's Umbrella has expanded to also staging Houston premieres of work from other playwrights and to searching out opportunities for creative collaborations with other local theater groups and artists. The company has produced 22 mainstage plays total, with 9 of the productions in the last two years, as well as other projects, such as performances in conjunction with lectures at University of Houston, Beckett workshop pieces, 5 Fringe Festival pieces, 2 showcases of short originals (called  “Museum of Dysfunction”),performances at the Houston Center for Photography and a children’s after school workshop series at the Houston Public Library.

The company has received numerous Houston Press ‘Best Of’ awards, including “Best Original Play” (Rot in 2007, which went on a Texas Tour that year) , “Best Theatre Company” (2006),  and “Best Theatre Company on a Shoestring Budget” (2008). Mildred’s has also received numerous positive reviews for their bold and original shows in The Houston Press, the Chronicle, Arts Houston, and American Theater Magazine.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM MILDRED’S UMBRELLA:

-At least one original play every season, with collaboration from all designers, actors and artists involved combining their talents and creativity to create a piece never before seen in the world.

-Two to three Houston, regional or even World premiers of plays by respected published playwrights.

-Collaborations with other artistic organizations and individuals, including puppet companies, composers and other outside theatre artists

-High quality productions on every  level of the theatrical spectrum

-A bold spirit that knows no boundaries.

Mildred’s Umbrella’s 2009-2010 season was highly successful, with sold out shows for three regional premiers, one world premier, and three original pieces presented by the company, earning quotes from the press, such as ‘fitfully fascinating’ (Houston Chronicle- The Flu Season),  ‘kicky, clever and utterly unpredictable’ (The Houston Chronicle- Margo Veil), ‘strangely compelling and funny.. . glorious, absurd contours’ (Houston Arts Week- Night of the Giant).

Mildred’s Umbrella loves collaboration, and has worked with Bobbindoctrin Puppet Theatre, University of Houston Honors College, Houston Community College, The Museum of Fine Arts Houston and the Houston Public Library to further enrich the city’s artistic scene through education and artistic growth.

Haunting and Beautiful  (Houston Chronicle on One Flea Spare)

Mildred's Umbrella Theater Company cast... explores Wallace's surreal view with an almost visual clarity. With its hypnotic and grotesque strangeness, Flea is unlike any other play in recent memory. (Houston Press on One Flea Spare)

Think Tom Stoppard on Methamphetimines (Houston Press on Things Being at the Worst)

exudes enough despair to make the average Samuel Beckett outing look like “Annie (Houston Chronicle on Rot)

a smart, wildly literary piece of experimental theatre the likes of which no Houstonian will see anywhere else this season (Houston Press on Rot).

Full of promise for something new and different, Mildred’s Umbrella seems to be on the road to someplace exciting (Houston Press);

...the amazing enemble cast...throws itself into the creepy goings-on with panache and conviction... a tasty bit of theatre you won't soon forget, (Houston Press on Mac Wellman’s Dracula)

Mildred’ s Umbrella officially became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in February, 2004.