"A powerful, uplifting theatrical experience."
Broadway World
The Oldest Profession, in partnership with Burbage Theatre Company, 2023
(Jeannie Carson, Juli Parker, Margaret Melozzi, Rae Mancini)
WOMENSWORK
THEATRE COLLABORATIVE
We are a Rhode Island-based creative collective of Founding Mothers on a mission to provide more opportunities for a traditionally and significantly underutilized population of theater professionals—women over the age of 50. We believe our voices need to be heard, and our stories need to be told.
Our founding mothers represent more than 350 years of combined experience in the arts. We are actors, directors, producers, writers, teachers and craftpersons. We are the deciders: the projects, material, casting, production team and venues.
What do we want? We want more.
-
More roles for women, specifically older women
-
More opportunities to tell women’s stories
-
More women in creative leadership and decision-making roles
-
More venues for women to make their own work
Who are we? Learn more about the founding mothers.
"... incisive direction... outstanding actors... a meticulously crafted work..."
The Boston Globe
"... an assemblage of action powerhouses."
Broadway World
UP NEXT
JANUARY 15 - FEBRUARY 8, 2026
The Memory of Water
By Shelagh Stephenson
Directed by Lynne Collinson
Produced in partnership with Burbage Theatre Company
at Wendy Overly Studio Theatre
59 Blackstone Ave, Pawtucket, RI
Three sisters return to their childhood home on the eve of their mother's funeral. As they share stories, clash over contradictions, and unearth long-buried resentments, the sisters struggle with how differently each remembers the same past. Partners and lovers are drawn into the fray, complicating loyalties and revealing how memory can be both a comfort and a weapon. Stephenson's play balances humor and poignancy in its exploration of grief, family and the fragile, unreliable narratives that shape our lives.
BUY TICKETS
"... incisive direction... outstanding actors... a meticulously crafted work..."
The Boston Globe
WOMENSWORK
THEATRE COLLABORATIVE
We are a Rhode Island-based creative collective of Founding Mothers on a mission to provide more opportunities for a traditionally and significantly underutilized population of theater professionals—women over the age of 50. We believe our voices need to be heard, and our stories need to be told.
Our founding mothers represent more than 350 years of combined experience in the arts. We are actors, directors, producers, writers, teachers and craftpersons. We are the deciders: the projects, material, casting, production team and venues.
What do we want? We want more.
-
More roles for women, specifically older women
-
More opportunities to tell women’s stories
-
More women in creative leadership and decision-making roles
-
More venues for women to make their own work
Who are we? Learn more about the founding mothers.
"... incisive direction... outstanding actors... meticulously crafted work..."
The Boston Globe
"A heartwrenching and magnificent production. Humor, depth and healing in a compact production."
Motif Magazine
STAY TUNED
for the next presentation of
Directed by MJ Daly
GALLERY
“This is an evening of sublime theater.” Broadway World
THE FOUNDING MOTHERS
Peggy Becker
Artistic producer. Propmaker. Collector.
Sharon Carpentier
Paula Faber
Actor. ?. ?.
Lynne Collinson
Actor. Director. WWTC Birth Mother.
Gayle Hanrahan
Playwright. Actor. Life coach.
Rae Mancini, AEA
Actor. Creator. Communication consultant.
Margaret Melozzi
Actor. Writer. ??
Juli Parker, Ph.D.
Director. Actor. Educator.
Carol Schlink
Director. Actor. Educator.