Chance Theater   

In 1998, Artistic Director Oanh Nguyen and fellow Chance founders, including Erika C. Miller and Jeff Hellebrand, recognized a void in Orange County’s theater scene—there was no space dedicated to bold, intimate storytelling that challenged audiences and fostered meaningful dialogue. Determined to change that, this small but ambitious group began staging original works in unconventional venues, knowing that to truly make an impact, they needed a home of their own. That home arrived in 1999, when Chance Theater debuted its first production in the unlikeliest of places—the back of an industrial park on La Palma Avenue. The debut season was scrappy and fearless, featuring entirely original works by local playwrights, including the company-created “But I Don’t FEEL Grown Up.” As audiences grew, so did the company’s vision. The next decade was one of perseverance and progress. The Chance officially became a nonprofit, moved to a more visible location in the same complex (this time with a marquee to welcome street traffic), and doubled its space from 1,500 to 3,000 square feet. The company launched its award-winning Speak Up youth outreach program, became the only OC theater accepted into the Los Angeles Stage Alliance, and established a subscriber base. Productions gained regional recognition, earning accolades from critics and theater organizations alike. By 2012, it was clear that The Chance had outgrown its space. With support from Arts Orange County, the company conducted a feasibility study and embarked on its first capital campaign. After raising almost $1 million, The Chance opened the doors to the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center on January 25, 2014. This new home, featuring the 150-seat flexible Cripe Stage and the 50-seat proscenium Fyda-Mar Stage, provided the company with the creative flexibility to push the boundaries of immersive storytelling. Now, a decade into its tenure at the Bette Aitken Theater Arts Center and as Anaheim’s Resident Theater Company, The Chance continues to elevate the standard for intimate theater in Southern California. Once described as “Off-Broadway in OC,” the company has grown into a nationally recognized arts institution, known for its daring productions, commitment to new works, and unwavering dedication to making theater an inclusive, transformative experience. And as we look to the next ten years, our ambitions have only grown—because at The Chance, the story is far from over.