The Magik Theatre was created as a voice for young people and families throughout the region. It began in 1994 as an offshoot of The Commerce Street Stage, a professional theatre for both adults and youth. About a year after the Commerce Street Stage began, I decided the city needed a full time professional theatre for youth and their families. This was what we were meant to be, and so, the Magik Theatre was born. With a staff of actors who had little experience producing theatre for youth, we had the freedom to be completely unique in the work we did. Our canvas was blank and our creativity had no boundaries. The decision to only produce plays that were based on books children were reading in schools is what sets us apart. Each show is accompanied by study guides, stimulating children to think clearly and creatively. As an Executive Director with a background in writing, we were able to write our own plays, thus developing our own style of theatre that couldn't be found anywhere else in San Antonio. Adding a full time Music Director ensured that all of our productions were enriched with music. Another thing that sets us apart is our distinct philosophy built on the teachings and work of Dr. Paul Baker, one of the two greatest influences on professional theatre in Texas. Our real goal was always to astonish our audiences. We did this by creating work like nothing our audiences had ever experienced. The courage to reach out into the community to offer different kinds of programs other than just doing plays was also crucial to The Magik's development. We now offer summer camps, an acting and creativity Academy, programs with the, workshops in schools all over the region, a touring company that brings unique and original theatre to schools, and most importantly, an open door willing to listen to any idea that will better the lives of young people and families.