Unleash the power of regional theater for unforgettable events
This weekend I experienced a wonderful surprise in Dalton, PA: a local theater company’s excellent production of Urine Town. My cousin’s daughter was part of the ensemble — her first show — so a couple of other New York-based cousins and I drove the 100-plus miles to help celebrate her milestone.
I’ve never seen regional theater before so I approached the Imagine NEPA Performing Arts Center (INPAC) production of the piece with an open mind, unsure of what to expect. One thing I do know was that I wasn’t expecting it to be on a par with what you would see on Off-Off-Broadway. I would rank it there rather than Off-Broadway because INPAC produces plays in an unconventional space, in this case a beautifully converted church.
While I’m not a professional critic, several performances showcased a level of talent that could undoubtedly find a place within the New York theater scene. Too bad they’re over 100 miles away. (But I guess Broadway’s loss is Dalton, PA’s gain.) I actually saw Urine Town when it ran on Broadway over 20 years ago and it’s a great musical that covers the spectrum from subtle nuance to over-the-top melodrama. And the INPAC company proved more than up to the challenge of navigating between both tones.
It just got me thinking that regional theaters around the country might be an inexpensive source of on-site entertainment for meetings and events. Has anyone ever used this potential resource?
Instead of a generic awards dinner, your attendees are treated to a bespoke performance by a local company, tailored to your event’s theme. Forget the tired icebreaker; a pre-show cocktail reception in a beautifully converted church-turned-theater becomes an instant conversation starter.
Regional theaters offer more than just entertainment; they provide authentic, immersive experiences. They tell local stories, showcase local talent, and inject a unique flavor into your event. They’re also often more budget-friendly than big-name headliners, allowing you to allocate resources to other crucial areas.
FURTHER READING: How regional theater talent can transform meetings and events
There are approximately 1,850 regional theater companies in the United States. This figure includes a wide range of professional theaters that are part of networks like:
The League of Resident Theatres (LORT) – about 75 major regional theaters.
Theatre Communications Group (TCG) – represents over 500 member theaters, many of which are regional nonprofits.
Hundreds of other Equity and non-Equity theaters operating professionally or semi-professionally across the country. These theaters vary widely in size, scope, and programming, but they all contribute to the vibrant U.S. regional theater landscape, producing everything from new plays and musicals to classical revivals.
Once you’ve identified a company to work with, partnering with them is easier than you’d think. Just contact theater education directors or artistic directors, Many actors would be open to gigs between productions, and these directors can often connect you. Or you can work With talent collectives or agencies. Some regional actors are represented by local talent agencies, even if they primarily do stage work.
Once the connection is made you can also partner with theaters on custom performances. Some regional theaters offer corporate entertainment packages or are willing to create short-form pieces tailored to your event themes.
So, the next time you’re planning a meeting or event, think beyond the usual suspects. Explore the theatrical landscape in your host city. You might just discover a hidden gem that transforms your event from ordinary to unforgettable. Broadway’s loss could be your event’s biggest gain.
Any thoughts, opinions, or news? Please share them with me at vince@meetingsevents.com.
Photo by Simon Goetz on Unsplash
