Jana Birchum
In a town where theatre troupes are a dime a dozen, Da! stands out not only for its integration of intensive disciplines such as the Vakhtangov tradition, the Feldenkrais Method, and Suzuki in its creations of new works (many of which have grown from Frontera Fest entries) and adaptations of folk classics (Heron & Crane) alike, but also for its forward-thinking ways. Just two of the many examples Da! sets for other troupes: It donates one of its children's performances to a Title 1 school for every paid performance and compensates its actors competitively, with the long-term goal of paying a living wage. Keep it up, Da!
