About
Alley Theatre is one of the largest U.S. professional nonprofit theatres outside of New York City.
Alley Theatre, one of America’s leading nonprofit theatres, is a nationally recognized performing arts company led by Artistic Director Rob Melrose and Managing Director Jennifer Bielstein. The Alley is committed to developing and producing theatre that is as diverse as the Houston community. The Alley produces 11 plays and nearly 400 performances each season, ranging from the best current work and classic plays to new plays by contemporary writers. Home to a full-time resident company of actors and expert artisans in all theatre crafts, the Alley engages theatre artists of every discipline – actors, directors, designers, composers, playwrights – who work on individual productions throughout each season as visiting artists.
Additionally, the Alley delivers a robust array of education and community programs reaching people Pre-K through adulthood. Alley Theatre performs at the Meredith J. Long Theatre Center, which is comprised of two state-of-the-art theatres: the 774-seat Hubbard Theatre and the 296-seat Neuhaus Theatre. The Alley reaches over 200,000 people each year through its performance, education, and community engagement programs.
The Alley’s Resident Acting Company is a cornerstone of Alley Theatre’s artistic identity. Comprised of seven actors, the RAC brings a unique and vital element to the Alley’s productions. Resident Acting Companies are exceptionally rare in modern theatre. The Alley is honored to have the only full-time, year-round Resident Acting Company in the United States.
What We Believe
Vision
To be a welcoming theatre that is essential to Houston, the nation, and the world
Mission
To inspire and enchant lives through a variety of theatrical experiences at the highest level of artistic excellence with our Resident Acting Company at the center
Our Values
Creative Excellence
Committed to standards at the highest professional level in our world premiere productions, contemporary work, classics, and new play development
Alley Audience
Honoring and serving our longtime audience, subscribers, and patrons while simultaneously cultivating and welcoming new audiences to the Alley
Alley Company Artists
Dedication to the Resident Acting Company, resident artists and artisans as well as continued relationships with guest directors, writers, actors, and designers
Education and Community Engagement
Broadening perspectives through education, engagement with the many communities of Houston, using theatre in everyday contexts, and theatre experiences for young people
Alley Staff
Valuing our employees and creating a collaborative culture in which all employees can do their best work
Professional Affiliations
Alley Theatre operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
The directors and choreographers employed by Alley Theatre are members of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.
The scenic, costume, lighting, and sound designers in LORT theaters are represented by United Scenic Artists, Local USA-829 of the IATSE.
Alley Theatre’s seasonal production and marketing costs are supported in part by the City of Houston through Theater District Improvement Inc. and Houston Arts Alliance.
The Texas Cultural Trust, a 501(c)(3) organization, was established in 1995 to be the leading voice for the arts in education, advocacy, and economic impact in Texas, spotlighting the artistic excellence of our state.
Alley Theatre operates under an agreement with SAG-AFTRA, the union of media professionals in the United States.