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The Wayward Artist

About us

HOMEPAGE _ ABOUT US

More Than a Theatre

A Creative Outlet

A Creative Outlet

Years on Stage
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Performances
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Engaged Viewers
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...and counting

Artist-Centered Productions
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Community-Focused Storytelling
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Mission-Led
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We’re not just here to produce theatre — we’re here to collaborate, challenge, and create alongside you. Together, we transform bold ideas into powerful theatrical experiences that provoke thought, build empathy, and spark change.

Behind the Scenes

Craig Tyrl

Founding Artistic Director

Kristin Campbell-Coyne

Founding Managing Director

A Home for the Lost, the Naked, and the Vulnerable

The Wayward Artist is a professional nonprofit theatre company dedicated to bold storytelling, radical inclusivity, and transformative art. We create theatre with an edge—new works, reimagined classics, and stories that reflect the full complexity of our world.

To transform a wayward world.

Our Mission

  • To be the artistic home for the Wayward Artist — the lost, the naked, the vulnerable.

  • To produce Wayward theatre of the highest quality — works that are new, works with an edge, works reimagined.

  • To transform a wayward world.

Who We Are

We are a passionate collective of artists, educators, and storytellers united by a shared dream: to create a home for fellow wayward souls.

Many of us are educators by day and artists by night. We believe deeply in paying it forward—creating opportunities for emerging artists at the beginning of their careers while producing professional-quality theatre for the Irvine community and the greater Orange County area.

We are fearless in our storytelling. We push the boundaries of politeness, political correctness, and propriety. We do not shy away from adult content, language, or mature subject matter. Wherever possible, we hold a mirror up to our audiences—challenging pride, prejudice, and point of view through innovation and reinvention.

The Beginning

Founded by Craig Tyrl and Kristin Campbell, The Wayward Artist was built from the ground up as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit—assembling artists, resources, and a shared vision to launch a full theatrical season.

2017

Finding Our Voice

Wayward premiered its first season, Faith, opening with a sold-out run of Godspell. The company found its purpose: bold, thought-provoking theatre that uplifts emerging artists and centers BIPOC and LGBTQIA voices.

2018

Growth & Legacy

Wayward became a fixture in Orange County theatre—joining OCTG, earning nearly 100 award nominations, developing new work with playwrights, expanding youth programming, and opening its doors to the broader arts community.

2018–2024

A Turning Point

As leadership evolved and its lease at Grand Central ended, The Wayward Artist entered a period of reflection—committed to its mission while reimagining its future.

2024

Rising from the Ashes

Wayward found a new home at Irvine United Congregational Church. With aligned values and upgraded technical capabilities, the partnership ensured the company’s legacy would continue—without compromising its commitment to inclusive, transformative storytelling.

2025

Wayward

A home for the lost, the naked, and the vulnerable. Still creating. Still challenging. Still transforming a wayward world.

Forever

We Bring

vision to

life with bold

creativity.

Achievements & Awards

We’re proud to be recognized by leaders in our theatre community, honoring the creativity, vision, and courageous storytelling that shape The Wayward Artist.

ORANGE COUNTY THEATRE GUILD

Outstanding Production of a Play
WINNER

ORANGE COUNTY THEATRE GUILD

Outstanding Ensemble of a Play
WINNER

ORANGE COUNTY THEATRE GUILD

OUTSTANDING CHOREOGRAPHY
WINNER

ORANGE CURTAIN AWARD

BEST ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
WINNER
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