Stock theate is a type of theater that presents a season of plays from a repertory of stock scenery and costumes. The term "stock" refers to the fact that the same scenery and costumes are used for multiple productions throughout the season. This allows stock theaters to produce a variety of plays without having to invest in new scenery and costumes for each production.
Stock theaters were once very common in the United States, but they have become less common in recent years. This is due in part to the rise of television and film, which have made it more difficult for stock theaters to attract audiences. In addition, the cost of producing a season of plays has increased, making it more difficult for stock theaters to operate profitably.
Despite these challenges, stock theaters continue to play an important role in the American theater scene. They provide a valuable opportunity for actors to perform a variety of roles and for audiences to see a variety of plays. In addition, stock theaters often produce new plays, which can help to promote the development of new American playwrights.
Here are some of the benefits of stock theater:
- Affordable tickets: Stock theaters typically offer lower ticket prices than Broadway and other professional theaters. This makes them more accessible to a wider range of audiences.
- Variety of plays: Stock theaters produce a variety of plays, from classics to new works. This allows audiences to experience a wide range of theatrical styles and genres.
- Opportunity for actors: Stock theaters provide a valuable opportunity for actors to perform a variety of roles. This can help them to develop their skills and experience.
If you are interested in learning more about stock theater, visit the website of the Council of Stock Theatres (COST). COST is a non-profit organization that promotes and supports stock theaters throughout the United States.
History of Stock Threater
Stock theater has a long and rich history, dating back to the 17th century. The earliest stock theaters were found in England, where they were known as "repertory" theaters. These theaters produced a series of plays from a fixed repertoire of stock scenery and costumes. This allowed the theaters to produce a variety of plays without having to invest in new scenery and costumes for each production.
Stock theaters became popular in the United States in the 19th century. The first stock theater in the United States was the Park Theatre in New York City , which opened in 1798. The Park Theatre was followed by a number of other stock theaters in the United States, including the Chestnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia and the Tremont Theatre in Boston.
Stock theaters reached their peak of popularity in the early 20th century. During this time, there were over 200 stock theaters operating in the United States. Stock theaters were particularly popular in small towns and rural areas, where they provided a form of entertainment that was otherwise unavailable.
However, stock theaters began to decline in popularity in the 1930s. This was due in part to the rise of radio and movies, which provided a form of entertainment that was more convenient and affordable than theater. In addition, the Great Depression made it difficult for many people to afford to attend the theater.
As a result of these factors, the number of stock theaters in the United States declined sharply. By the 1950s, there were only a handful of stock theaters still in operation.
However, stock theater began to experience a resurgence in the 1960s. This was due in part to the rise of the counterculture and the New American theater movement. These movements sought to create a more experimental and challenging form of theater, and stock theaters were seen as a way to do this.
In addition, the rise of regional theater in the United States helped to revitalize stock theater. Regional theaters are theaters that are located outside of major metropolitan areas. They typically produce a season of plays that are drawn from the American theatrical canon, as well as new works.
Today, there are a number of stock theaters operating in the United States. These theaters are located in a variety of communities, from small towns to major cities. They continue to produce a variety of plays, from classics to new works.
Stock theater is an important part of the American theatrical tradition. It provides a valuable opportunity for actors to perform a variety of roles and for audiences to see a variety of plays. In addition, stock theaters often produce new plays, which can help to promote the development of new American playwrights.
Here are some of the notable stock theaters in the United States:
- The Guthrie Theatre (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
- The Alley Theatre (Houston, Texas)
- The Old Globe Theatre (San Diego, California)
- The Huntington Theatre Company (Boston, Massachusetts)
- The McCarter Theatre Center (Princeton, New Jersey)