Spring always feels like a time of renewal. For The Human Race Theatre Company, it’s also a moment of deep reflection and celebration. In case you missed it, we just announced our 40th Anniversary Season, and let me tell you, it’s bold, it’s beautiful, and it’s a love letter to the art and artists who have built this company brick by brick over the past four decades.

This landmark season celebrates our legacy while planting seeds for the future.

We’re bringing you a lineup of stories that move, challenge, and connect us. Including a mix of beloved classics, fresh premieres, and work that puts the spotlight on underrepresented voices. You can check out the full season announcement right now at humanracetheatre.org.

For four decades, The Human Race Theatre Company has remained a vital cultural anchor in Dayton. From our humble beginnings—thanks to the vision of three phenomenal women and a passionate collective of local artists—to our current home at 126 N. Main Street, every season has been fueled by a love for storytelling and a commitment to our region.

Over the past few years alone, we’ve produced five world premieres, welcomed a majority local artistic team (78% and counting), and made sure 17% of our audience experienced live theatre through access initiatives. We continue to take artistic risks, while practicing fiscally responsible, transparent leadership; with help from our Board, our community partners, and the incredible team at Brixey & Meyer. When we say we listen to our audience, we mean it. You shape who we are.

And guess what? Others are taking notice!

We’re honored to share that The Human Race is a finalist for the 2025 Torch Award for Ethics from the Better Business Bureau of Dayton and the Miami Valley! This award recognizes organizations that operate with integrity and build trust across their communities. It’s humbling to be named among such impactful businesses and nonprofits. As we step into this milestone year, it just feels good to know that our values are being recognized right alongside our artistry.

The Torch Award dinner is coming up on Tuesday, May 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the David H. Ponitz Center. Whether or not we take home the win, we’re proud to stand beside other outstanding businesses and nonprofits doing the work of community-building. You can learn more or grab a ticket here.

So, what’s next?

• Dive into our 40th Anniversary Season line-up that’s packed with passion, purpose, and unforgettable storytelling.
• Look out for expanded engagement initiatives, including our Pay What You Can Night, Inside Track, Parent’s Day Out and While We’re On The Subject Matinee Shows (Talkbacks). These aren’t just shows; they’re opportunities to build bridges through theatre.
• Get involved! Whether as a donor, volunteer, or partner, there’s a place for you in this story we’re writing together.

At The Human Race, we believe that theatre doesn’t just entertain; it inspires, provokes, and brings people together. It transforms. Thank you for being part of our past, present, and future.

Here’s to 40 years and to what’s next. See you at the theatre!