StaffandTeam

About Us

We are a Creative Enterprise

Winstaer is a Theatre startup in Rockford, IL taking a different approach than most

While we believe that there is value in producing art purely for enjoyment, we think artistic endeavors hold much greater power. Power that can transform the world around us

Winstaer has a mission to ACT in the community, creating memories for all and making a difference in under-served populations such as those facing homelessness, those struggling with drug addiction, and those trapped in sex-slavery, among others

We exist to encourage and help people Be Bold, Brave, and Brilliant in every aspect of their lives

1. BOLD means full commitment
We strive to commit fully to everything that we do so that our efforts can make a real difference
2. BRAVE means taking smart risks
We strive to take smart risks to maximize the impact of our ART, to improve our COMMUNITY, and to provide world-class TRAINING
3. BRILLIANT means... brilliant!
We strive to be BRILLIANT because only new ideas, inventions, and interventions can truly change the world

These core values are irrefutable ordinances for our theatre and our work. They are the filters by which our leaders make decisions in order to sustain our culture, our power, and our impact.

We desire that all of our staff, team members, and community members exhibit these attributes in their daily lives, influencing everything that they do for the glory of God and the betterment of humanity

Win-Staer

We believe that everyone is capable of winning at life because every person is a shining Staer

Boundless And Radical Love (BAR Love)

We love first, before anything else. Always

H. O. T.
We are humble, open, and transparent in everything that we do and say

Generosity

We give just to give, not to get. We are generous beyond measure with our time, talents, and treasure. We save the world by giving our own lives to it's service

Excellence

We hold ourselves to the highest standards of appearance, word, and action. It's never about perfection. It's always about progression. When we fail, we get up and do better the next time

Relationship

We belong together, as one people, under God. We believe that people deserve multiple chances, knowing that transformed lives and healed pasts do not happen overnight. Mistakes will happen and we act in grace to those around us

FUN!

We take our work and our purpose very seriously... But not ourselves. Work hard. Play harder

Boundless And Radical Love (BAR Love)

We love first, before anything else. Always

Be Bold. Be Brave. Be Brilliant.

We believe in living life big! Boldness and bravery create the brilliance that can change the world
Experience life, don’t spend it

We believe in enjoying life to the fullest extent, discovering meaning, and creating value for the world
When you give up control, you gain it

We believe that in art (and in life), the less control the better. In many ways, it's a stoic mindset, but it's also a belief that our sub-conscious minds know better than our conscious minds. When we get out of our heads and trust our bodies instead, we achieve a:

deeper connection to our intuition, which means a greater possibility of pure brilliance
greater awareness and ability to meet our needs in a satisfactory way
release of the tensions and anxieties that tell us we are incapable and even unworthy.

Fail often… fight again

We expect to have ideas and/or performances that fail… sometimes miserably. And that is perfectly okay as long as we get back up and take a risk again. “Be Brilliant” can never be achieved without these types of risks. Failing is never the problem; not fighting back for a victory is
Powerful people > Powerful performances

We believe that people are more important than the art that they make. When the people are full of power, their art will be full of power too. At Winstaer, we always start with the people first
Process > Product

We believe that it is through the process of creating art that our humanity is experienced and shared. The end product may be amazing and beautiful, but if the art does not create change within the artist and within the community of observers, it is meaningless

Our Team

Elijah Lowry

Founder + Lead Steward + Modern Abolitionist Society Co-Founder

I know, as Lilian Baylis, Samuel Phelps, and others before knew: those who have experienced great music and great drama, or who have enjoyed the true recreation that they provide, will never again accept shallow and weak entertainments that are quickly forgotten. Instead, they will continuously seek that higher form of entertainment: growth with joy

Sara Goodger

Creative Assistant

Shawn Lowry

Creative Assistant

"You see things and you say 'why?' But I dream things that never were and I say, 'why not?'"
~ George Bernard Shaw

Want To Get Involved?

Are you crazy enough to think you can change the world? Are you committed to using art to do so?

We have many areas of need, so please reach out if you would like to join our ACT

Email winstaer@gmail.com or text (815) 627-6280 to start a conversation about how you can get involved!