Homeless in the American Theater

Why do some theaters go into crisis mode when they lose their permanent spaces? Why do others embrace the itinerant life? As more and more Americans lose their homes–and theaters struggle to find spaces for their shows–this story I did for Live Design in 2008 remains relevant.

The photo, left, is of A Bright Room Called Day, produced by the Elemental Theatre, a collective formed by Trinity Rep Conservatory grads. The theater, usually located in Providence, RI, doesn’t have any kind of room of its own–and likes it that way. Here’s why.

L-R David Rabinow, Tanya Anderson Martin, D’Arcy Dersham, Alexander Platt, Jen Bloom. The production was directed by Peter Sampieri. 

 

 

In Memphis, TN, the Playhouse in the Square is enjoying a new state-of-the art facility. 

Left, the architectural model for the new playhouse. 

Comments