1999
Sol Kelley-Jones and Callen Harty meet up to discuss Kelley-Jones’ idea for a new theater program for queer youth. The discussion leads to the creation of Proud Theater-Madison (then known just as Proud Theater).
2000
Proud Theater-Madison holds its first performance at the Magic Picnic at Brittingham Park in Madison. The performance was without lights or sound, and was “amidst drag-shows and beer tents” in a park pavilion with just a handful of youth.
2011
Art & Soul Innovations is created as an independent organization to house Proud Theater. Brian Wild, Callen Harty, Sol Kelley-Jones, Darlene Harbick, Heather Renken, and Sue Slotten are the inaugural Board of Directors, with Brian Wild named as Executive Director.
The chapter concept for Proud Theater takes form as Proud Theater-Wausau, the first new chapter outside of Madison, launches.
2016
The first Connections conference is held in Madison, dedicated to bridging intergenerational divides within the queer community.
2018
Proud Theater-Green Bay launches to serve youth from throughout the greater Green Bay and Fox Cities regions in Northeastern Wisconsin.
2019
Proud Theater Beyond debuts its first public performance (Proud Theater Beyond-Madison’s “Suspiciously Gay”) at Edgewood College in Madison.
2020
Proud Theater Celebrates its 20th anniversary of art, heart, and activism.