“People who enjoy theater will find it right here in Annapolis,†declares Susan Steckman, the effervescent V.P. of Communications for the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County conference and Visitors Bureau.
Steckman, who admitted an affinity for acting given her college days as a theater major, loves “the whole gamut of opportunities here in Annapolis, all within walking distance. And another real treat for theater lovers—if you come for a day trip, you can park your car and enjoy attractions like the State House, the Naval Academy, the home of Declaration of Independence signer William Paca, the shops along Main Street and Maryland Avenue, and then just walk to your favorite theater. How convenient is that?â€
The Bay Theatre Company
Says Steckman, “The Bay Theater Company offers professional theater with equity cardholders on a year round basis and is conveniently located on West Street.â€
Now entering its third season, The Bay Theatre Company is a professional regional company located at 275 West St. Annapolis, on the lower level of the West Garrett office building. Lucinda Merry-Browne is the artistic director. The Bay Theatre Company performs 6-8 productions each year in conjunction with the Bay Theatre Studio, the educational wing of the theatre, including works by Shaw, Ibsen, Chekhov, Williams, Wilder, Albee, Mamet, Shepard, McNally, Durang and others.
Ticket prices range from $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and students with valid ID. Call 410-268-1333 or visit www.baytheatre.org.
Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre
“The Annapolis Summer Garden Theater gives people the opportunity to enjoy musicals under the starts—that’s a wonderful way to enjoy theater, right on the city docks. Prior to the show you can enjoy a waterside meal at one of the local restaurants of your choice, all different cuisines from roll-up-your-sleeves steamed crabs to white table cloth dining. After the musical you can walk along city dock or the streets of Annapolis—enjoy the outdoors at America’s family capital,†Steckman said.
Located in the courtyard of the Old Shaw Blacksmith Shop at 143 Compromise Street, the Annapolis Summer Garden Theater is an outdoor, 200-seat theater on the city dock that presents three shows a year during the summer months (last week of May through the first week of September). The property boasts a 300 year history and is a registered historic and cultural landmark. The 2010 season features “Forever Plaid,†“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,†and “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story.†For more information, call 410-268-9212.
The Colonial Players of Annapolis
“The Colonial Players on East Street offer wonderful performances—every year they do A Christmas Carol. On the day tickets go on sale, the lines are around the block and down the street of people waiting to purchase. For many, it’s become an annual tradition, for family and generation of families. Plus, there’s a full slate of plays available throughout the year,†Steckman said.
With its first production in 1949 (The Male Animal), the Colonial Players today features a 5-show season including classics, comedies, dramas and musicals, as well as experimental theater, children’s plays, works by new playwrights, theatrical workshops, and more. Known for their annual production of “A Christmas Carol,†The Colonial Players perform in a 180-seat arena theater located in the heart of downtown historic Annapolis at 108 East Street. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and full-time students with ID. For more information, call 410-268-7373 or visit http://thecolonialplayers.org.
The Children’s Theater of Annapolis (CTA)
The Children’s Theater of Annapolis offers two or more full productions each year with casts of up to 40 children on the theater’s Main Stage. Founded in 1959, CTA is located at 1661 Bay Head Road in Bay Head Park, Annapolis. CTA features arts education for ages 5 to 18 and also offers a scholarship program. Technical stage training, internships, and apprenticeships in the theatrical arts are available for young people. About 7,500 families in the region are impacted by CTA annually. The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People will be featured June 25-27th followed by The Fantasticks, July 29-Aug. 8th.
Other Venues
For those interested in ballet, there’s the Ballet Theatre of Maryland at 801 Chase Street which offers both ballet productions and educational and training courses. Seasonal productions, such as for Halloween and Christmas, are featured, as well as works relating to such themes as Latin romance or adaptations of literary works like “The Scarlett Letter.â€
The Chesapeake Arts Center at 194 Hammonds Lane is a 58,000 square foot, multi-discipline arts facility that presents plays, concerts, and creative arts events as well as instruction in music, dance, drama, visual arts, and more. The CAC features the 904-seat Hammonds Lane Theatre, a 110-seat Studio 194 Theatre, gallery space, ceramics lab, dance studios, music room, resident artists’ studios, scene-shop and classrooms.
The Talent Machine Company features youth actors in three full-length musicals each year, performed in a large theater for the general public, as well as at school fairs, fundraisers, community events, parades, etc. TMC’s mission is to encourage young people to learn about the performing arts and to present quality productions to the public.
“It’s all right there—every night you have choices, whether it’s a concert under the stars, to catch some professional theater, relax in an intimate setting with the Colonial Players. If you have young children, why not expose them to theater and take advantage of these offerings? Who knows what seeds you’re planting with your young people that may come to fruition, for those seeking a career in theater or just cultivating a love of theater throughout their lives,†Steckman said.
By Daniel Collins
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