Summary
Organization name
Motus Theater
2011
Tax id (EIN)
90-0716569
Category
Arts, Culture & Humanities
Organization Size
Medium Organization
Address
P.O. Box 6080Boulder, CO 80306-6080
Boulder County, CO, US
Motus Theater
A nonprofit organization
$13,755 raised by 54 donors
28% complete
$50,000 Goal
About
Impact
Overview:
Motus Theater creates transformative storytelling that builds bridges, heals divisions, and reminds us of our shared humanity. At a time when many in our communities face dehumanizing rhetoric and policies, our work is more essential than ever.
Through powerful autobiographical monologues, civic dialogue, and multimedia collaborations, Motus brings center stage the people most often marginalized in public discourse: immigrants; transgender and nonbinary people; and those impacted by incarceration, so that audiences can see their neighbors and themselves in new ways.
This year, because of your support, Motus Theater kept the spotlight shining on stories that strengthen democracy, build bridges, and move people toward compassion and justice.
Thank you!
WHY SUPPORT MOTUS THEATER THIS GIVING SEASON?
Amplify Courageous Voices. Motus spotlights civic love stories from leaders on the frontlines of oppression: immigrants, transgender and gender-expansive people, and those impacted by incarceration, transforming their personal stories into art that inspires dialogue, understanding, and action.
Change Narratives, Change Lives. Research shows that personal storytelling can dismantle prejudice. Your gift helps Motus continue to share stories that humanize and transform, whether through monologues on stage, via podcasts, or digital storytelling.
Healing Through Art. In a time of polarization, Motus Theater offers a refuge and a catalyst for civic courage. Through programs like Youth Behind & Beyond Bars and the forthcoming What Love Requires Project, featuring parents of transgender and nonbinary adults, Motus invites deep listening and collective healing.
Expand Reach Beyond the Stage. In 2026, Motus will expand to radio, digital and film platforms, reaching national audiences with stories that open hearts and minds. To make this possible, we're raising $200,000 by year's end. Every gift helps record, produce, and share our communities' stories nationwide.
Make Your Gift Go Further. Thanks to generous partners, you can double your impact with a match! All donations by Colorado Gives Day will be matched up to $50,000.
Your support ensures these transformative stories continue to thrive, on stage and beyond.
Your generosity brings courage, love, and light to our communities. Thank you for standing with us.
Mission
The mission of Motus Theater is to create original theater to facilitate dialogue on critical issues of our time. We aim to use the power of art to build empathetic alliances across diverse segments of our community and country.
Background Statement
Moving Stories that Move Us Forward
Founded in 2010 in Boulder, Colorado, Motus Theater develops three forms of original theater:
1) Multimedia Performances Exploring U.S. History — Rocks Karma Arrows and It’s Only a Paper Moon (supported by the National Endowment for the Arts).
2) Autobiographical Monologues — created with leaders from historically marginalized communities:
- ImmigrantAmerica (2013–present) – stories by undocumented leaders with DACA.
- JustUs (2019–present) – stories from people impacted by incarceration.
- TRANSformative Stories (2023–present) – stories by transgender and nonbinary leaders (75% BIPOC).
3) Motus Playback (2022–present) – one of the nation’s most diverse Playback Improv companies, creating space for transformative listening and civic dialogue.
Motus Theater’s work has been featured in American Theatre Magazine, NPR/CPR, The Washington Post, and USA Today, and supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, SCFD, and leading Colorado foundations.
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Matches
Organization Data
Boulder, CO 80306-6080