Who are we?
Red Ink Ensemble is a queer-led nonprofit theatre company committed to telling stories that challenge conventional narratives and uplift LGBTQ+ voices. Our name is inspired by a Virginia Woolf quote that speaks to the power of correction and transformation—much like the work we do on stage. Like red ink on a page, we believe in rewriting stories so they are seen, heard, and understood on a deeper level.
We bring voices often overlooked in mainstream theatre to the forefront, creating bold and contemporary productions that both challenge and inspire. As threats to queer visibility continue to grow, our mission is simple: to tell queer stories, by queer artists, for everyone.
Macbeth (2026) with Kelly Thomas and others. Photo by Petie Sjogren
Mission Statement
At Red Ink, our mission is to amplify queer voices and challenge conventional narratives through daring, transformative theatre. Inspired by the power of red ink to correct and redefine, we create work that demands stories be rewritten and understood on a deeper level. We are committed to bringing overlooked voices to the forefront, crafting productions that spark dialogue, inspire change, and celebrate the beauty and complexity of the LGBTQ+ experience.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2025) with Jesse Gavin, Lily Richards, Katie Culloden, Sara Ambra, Kelly Thomas, and Max Havas. Photo by Saranya Nayak.
Our Story
Red Ink Ensemble was born in January 2025 from a spark of rebellion and possibility—the belief that if the stories artists longed to tell weren't being produced, they could create a space to tell them themselves.
Founded by queer artists in Los Angeles, the company began with a shared desire to build bold, imaginative theatre and foster a creative home for artists committed to collaboration and risk-taking.
Red Ink Ensemble's inaugural production, an all-queer staging of Romeo & Juliet, launched in 2025 and marked the beginning of the company's exploration of classical works through a contemporary lens. Later that year, the ensemble produced A Midsummer Night's Dream, continuing to build its artistic identity and community. In 2026, the company expanded its repertoire with Macbeth, further establishing Red Ink Ensemble as a home for ambitious storytelling and inventive reimaginings.
What began as a conversation between artists has grown into a thriving ensemble dedicated to creating meaningful theatrical experiences and building a lasting artistic community.