Modern theater has gone beyond the scope of monologues like Shakespeare’s ‘to be or not to be…’. The classics remain the measure of artistic heritage and are an important and relevant factor in the education of future generations. The point is that the form of theater as a performing art has pushed the boundaries much further. In Houston, an example of such modern and innovative performing art is the Stages Repertory Theatre. Read more on houston-trend.
A stage for experiments and creativity
It is known that Houston is a city of theaters. With entire theater districts, it is difficult to surprise an ordinary resident with another creative platform. However, Stages Repertory Theatre is not just another theater in Houston. This is a real sanctuary for those who appreciate innovation, experiments and a modern view of theatrical art. The theater was founded in 1978. The idea to create a modern platform for creativity and imagination belonged to a group of enthusiasts who dreamed of implementing unconventional directorial thoughts and embodying the most daring acting ideas. Therefore, from the very beginning of its foundation, the theater positioned itself as a place for experiments and new forms of stage expression.
The sources of such innovative ideas began in the historic Magnolia Ballroom building in downtown Houston under the leadership of the founding artistic director Ted Swindley. The young theater received several stage platforms. A few years after its foundation, Stages changed its place of residence and moved to a new building in the Star Engraving building on Allen Parkway. Nowadys, the theater has several stages for different productions. They allow the organizers to demonstrate different productions for different numbers of people. This can be done simultaneously.
New space
In 2020, a grand event took place for the theater and its connoisseurs. In January, the new theater building was opened. The new hall was called the Gordy. It was designed and built for $35.4 million. The investment is worth it. In addition to modern design, a large lobby and several waiting and snack rooms, the theater received four separate full-fledged halls.
Edmundson Gallery
This was the first theater venue, which is presented as the most versatile space. It can quickly transform from a large hall to a more comfortable, smaller space thanks to innovative sliding partitions. Therefore, it is often used for private events.
Sterling Stage
This hall is the largest theatrical space of the theater. Its feature is the location of the stage, which has the type of football field. The stage is in the middle with a 380-degree view. The audience seats are located around the perimeter.
Smith Stage and Levit Stage
Two more locations of the theater also have innovative forms. If the Smith Stage is also a kind of arena, similar to the Sterling Stage, the Levit Stage is designed for large and long-term productions, during which radical changes in the scenery are possible.
Facts and figures about Stages Repertory Theatre
From the very beginning, Stages promoted not just a demonstration of its vision of the performance but a close relationship with the audience. Each participant in the production was ready for open communication and was happy to make contact with the theater visitor. This zest attracted theater lovers. Thus, Stages Repertory Theatre managed to become the sixth-largest non-profit producer of performing arts in Houston. It is also the largest such institution outside the city’s theater district. In addition, the theater is one of the largest employers in the field of the arts. Each year, Stages Repertory Theatre prepares an average of 12 productions. In total, the theater produced 430 performances. Each season, Stages hosts over 75,000 visitors.
Live deeper. Love bolder.
This is the slogan chosen by the Stages Repertory Theatre. Despite fierce competition, the theater is not afraid to experiment with dramaturgy. Directors and actors, artists, set and costume designers are always in search of new forms of expression. The institution offers work to young local artists, encouraging them to express their vision of new works or rethink classic masterpieces. Thanks to this theater policy, the Stages repertoire is always diverse. In addition to theatrical productions, Stages Repertory Theatre conducts various educational programs. Such projects are aimed at developing theatrical art in the region. They involve both children and adults in it to explore theater and instill a love for it. Many famous actors of the region began their careers here.
In conclusion, one can confidently state that Stages Repertory Theatre is not just a theater, it is a place where new ideas are born and the future of theater arts is created, not only in Houston but also in the region and the entire state.
