Our Story

Founded in 2009 by Tucson theatre artists Glen Coffman and Toni Press-Coffman, Winding Road Theater Ensemble was built on a belief in the power of storytelling to illuminate the human experience and bring people together. What began as a shared artistic vision has grown over the course of seventeen years into a vibrant community shaped by countless artists, leaders, volunteers, donors, board members, and audience members.

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Throughout its history, Winding Road has produced a wide range of theatrical experiences, from intimate dramas and contemporary works to beloved musicals and community events. Along the way, dedicated individuals stepped forward to guide the organization through periods of growth, transition, and challenge. During the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders and artists worked tirelessly to ensure that Winding Road continued creating opportunities for connection through live performance.

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We are deeply grateful to the many people who have helped shape this organization over the years, including our founders, past board members, volunteers, and supporters. We also honor our Members Emeritus, Maria Caprile, Tony Caprile, Peg Peterson, and Chad Davies, whose dedication and service helped guide Winding Road through important chapters of its history. Their creativity, generosity, and commitment laid the foundation upon which Winding Road continues to build.

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Today, Winding Road Theatre is embracing its next evolution while remaining rooted in the values that have guided the organization from the beginning: meaningful storytelling, artistic excellence, and a belief in the importance of human connection.

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As a community-driven theatre company, we foster connection, nurture creativity, and create opportunities for artists and audiences to learn, collaborate, and grow together. We are committed to championing fresh voices, developing new works, building partnerships throughout Tucson's vibrant arts community, and creating spaces where emerging and established artists alike can discover, develop, and share their unique gifts.

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Programs like Eight 10s in Tucson celebrate bold storytelling and artistic collaboration, while initiatives such as Road Works reflect our commitment to supporting the development of original work and expanding opportunities for local artists. Through productions that entertain, challenge, and inspire, we strive to create theatre that reflects the richness, complexity, humor, heartbreak, and hope of the communities we serve.

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As we continue forward, we recognize that we are both caretakers of a legacy and stewards of what comes next. The road behind us tells the story of where we've been. The road ahead invites us to imagine where we might go together.

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A dedicated Legacy Page and production archive are currently under development. As we continue organizing and preserving Winding Road's history, we look forward to creating a space that celebrates the productions, artists, and moments that have shaped our first seventeen years, ensuring those stories remain accessible to future generations of theatre-makers and audiences alike.

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Thank you for being part of the journey.

Because while the road may wind, our purpose remains the same:

We tell stories to help make us all better humans.