Out & About: Baltimore Theatre
By Katie Redmiles
Audrey Herman Spotlighters817 St. Paul St., Baltimore, Md. 21202
The Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theatre has been a part of the Baltimore theater community for more than 43 years. Actress, director, producer, and matriarch of local theater Audrey Herman founded and served as president of the theater. Herman’s approach of presenting a new show every month allowed for a wide variety of production and opportunities for directors, designers, and actors. Following Herman’s death in 1999, the theater began its transition into a recognized 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and seeks to continues Herman’s vision of providing a variety of quality theater and opportunities for artists. Spotlighters’ even counts several Tony, Emmy, Obie, and Academy Award nominees as alumni. The intimate in-the-round setting serves as the theatre space for a variety of theatrical performances including “Do or Die Productions” which perform improve comedy murder mysteries. For more information on the Audrey Herman Spotlighters Theatre, call (410) 752-1225 or visit
www.spotlighters.org.
On Stage this Month: Pageant—The Ten Year Reunion, 4 By Tenn
Baltimore Theatre Project45 West Preston Street, Baltimore, MD 21201
Baltimore Theatre Project is a professional 150-seat venue for original and experimental theatre, dance, and music. Founded in 1971 by Philip Arnoult, it was quickly established as a place for a dynamic mix of experimental national and international presentations. Thanks to extensive renovations in the mid-80s, the theater’s space boasts a sprung wood floor backed by the original 20’ acoustic dome with all seats unobstructed. Anne Cantler Fulwiler, a board member and former employee became the theater’s director in 2001. Under her direction, Theatre Project has continued its reputation for outstanding service to artists, initiated a subscription series, increased community outreach, and improved its financial stability. Theatre Project also houses the John Fonda Gallery providing contemporary visual artist a venue to present their work. For more information about Baltimore Theatre Project, call (410) 752-8559, or visit
www.theatreproject.org.
On Stage this Month: The Mystery of Skin…
Centerstage700 North Calvert Street Baltimore, MD 21202
An ambitious community drama group launched Centerstage in 1963. It has since grown into Baltimore’s leading professional theater company and example to other regional theaters nationwide. More than 100,000 people each season visit Centerstage in Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon cultural district. Artistic Director Irene Lewis presents a six-play mainstage season and First Look, a new play reading series, in two intimate auditoriums. One is the 541-seat Pearlstone Theater and the other is the smaller, flexible configuration Head Theater. Centerstage presents a diversified set of material ranging from classics, new plays, to musical theater pieces through the use of emerging and established artists. For more information about Centerstage, call (410) 332-0033 or visit
www.centerstage.org.
On Stage this Month: Rosencrantz & Guildenstern are Dead, A Little Night Music
Everyman Theatre1727 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, Md. 21201
Everyman Theatre debuted in 1990 with a production of The Runner Stumbles by Milan Stitt at St. John’s Church in Baltimore. Founded to present quality, professional, and affordable theatre, Everyman took its permanent (and current) home in July of 1994. Steadily growing, Everyman began its new Explore! Everyman Series last season to serve as a laboratory for new works and genres like a Cabaret Series and slam poetry presentation. This season, Everyman expanded to eight performances per week, launched a MySpace page to reach younger audiences, and began a new brunch series. In 2008, Everyman plans to move to its new space of the Town Theatre on the West Side of Baltimore. After renovations it will offer a 250–300 seat theatre and education space. For more information about Everyman Theatre, call (410) 752-2208, or visit
www.everymantheatre.org.
On Stage this Month: Gem of the Ocean
Fells Point Corner Theatre251 South Anne St., Fells Point, Md. 21231
Fells Point Corner Theatre was created in January of 1987 when the Corner Theatre merged with the Fells Pointer Theatre and revitalized the brick firehouse on Anne Street in Upper Fells Point. Since its inception, the theater has carved out a dynamic theater space on the second floor and completed a second theatre on the ground floor contributing to the beautification of the city and producing plays for artists and audiences alike to learn through the eyes of the characters and enjoy. For more information about Fells Point Corner Theatre, call (410) 276-7837, or visit
www.fpct.org.
On Stage this Month: Three Days of Rain
Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts CenterThe Hippodrome opened in November of 1914 as a movie palace that also showcased vaudeville performance. It was reborn in early 2004 as the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center. With the revitalization of the Hippodrome came the revitalization of the West side of Baltimore. The Hippodrome Foundation transformed three historic landmarks, including the original Hippodrome Theatre, and constructed a new building. The France-Merrick Performing Arts Center ties all four spaces together. Now partnered with Live Nation, a leader in the presentation of live entertainment, the Hippodrome hopes to meet the cultural, educational, and entertainment needs of the city and region. For more information about the Hippodrome Theatre, call (410) 752-7444, or visit
www.france-merrickpac.com.
On Stage This Month: High School Musical, Rent, Flat Stanley, Camelot
Baltimore Shakespeare Festival3900 Roland Avenue, Baltimore, Md. 21211 (indoors)
4545 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, Md. 21210 (outdoors)As it celebrates its twelfth season, Baltimore Shakespeare Festival is the region’s home for professional classical theatre and educational programs. Since 2003, it has been distinguished as a Small Professional Theatre with the Actors’ Equity. During its season, Baltimore Shakespeare Festival performs three plays indoors at St. Mary’s Outreach Center and in the summer, productions are held outdoors at the Meadow at the Evergreen Museum and Library. They are dedicated to producing affordable classical theater and introducing students to Shakespeare. For more information about Baltimore Shakespeare Festival, call (410) 366-8596, or visit
www.baltimoreshakespeare.org.
On Stage This Month: A Winter’s Tale (in April)