Category: Theatre 101 - Alley Theatre Skip to Content

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Catharsis in the Theatre

Why does theatre continue to endure as a popular art form, millennia after its inception? Is it because of theatre’s ability to educate? To inform? To entertain? Or is there a more powerful, more intrinsic, more emotional component at play? Greek philosopher Aristotle identified the emotional response of the audience as an essential component of drama. He referred to this emotional process as ‘catharsis.’

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Theatre Vocab 101: Stage Directions, Break a Leg, Program, Strike

New to the theatre world? Lost in the sea of foreign theatrical phrases and terms? The Alley has your back! Not only will Theatre Vocab 101 teach you the fundamental terminology of theatre, but it will also give you the best understanding of what goes on at the Alley.

Monday, May 20, 2024

Get the Most Out of Your Night: A Guide to Pre-Show Activities at The Theatre

The excitement is building! You've got your tickets, your outfit is on point, and you're ready for a night of captivating theatre. But before the curtain rises, there's a whole world waiting for you in the theatre lobby. Don't just stand there waiting – use that pre-show time to elevate your entire experience. Here's what you can do to make the most of those precious moments before the show begins:

Monday, May 13, 2024

What does it mean to present an unfinished Thornton Wilder play?

This Spring, Alley Theatre will be presenting the first-ever production of an unfinished play by renowned American dramatist Thornton Wilder. But what does it mean to present an unfinished play? How is it possible that nearly 50 years after Wilder’s death, The Emporium will finally appear before an audience?

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Live Theatre Expectations

Live theatre is an exciting, immersive experience, offering a unique connection to the story unfolding before you.  Unlike the controlled environment of a movie theater, live theatre has its own set of etiquette and expectations. To ensure an enjoyable evening for yourself and your fellow audience members, here's a guide to what you can expect during the show.

Monday, March 25, 2024

Stepping Through Time: Exploring the World of Memory Plays

Theatre offers a window into another world, allowing the audience to act as witnesses to otherwise inaccessible stories. But some plays welcome us not just as passive viewers, but as participants in the subjective experience of a particular character. This unique genre of theatre is known as the memory play.