Big house theatre

Definition

Big house theatre refers to large-scale theatrical venues that typically host professional productions with significant budgets and extensive resources. These venues often feature elaborate sets, advanced technology, and a wide range of artistic collaborations, making them central hubs for mainstream theatrical performances and cultural events.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Big house theatres are typically designed to accommodate large audiences, often seating hundreds to thousands of people, which allows for a broad reach and significant ticket sales.
2. These venues usually have substantial financial backing from sponsors, government grants, or ticket sales, enabling them to invest in high-quality productions with skilled professionals.
3. Big house theatres often serve as the premiere location for new works or adaptations, attracting major artists and playwrights to showcase their work on a prominent stage.
4. Collaboration is key in big house theatres; they often partner with various artistic disciplines, including music, dance, and visual arts, resulting in multidisciplinary performances.
5. Despite their focus on mainstream productions, big house theatres can also provide a platform for innovative and experimental work that challenges traditional theatrical norms.

Review Questions

• How does the scale of big house theatre influence the types of productions that are presented?
  • The large scale of big house theatres allows for ambitious productions that can utilize extensive resources such as elaborate sets and advanced technology. This scale not only attracts major artists and playwrights but also encourages collaborations across different artistic disciplines. As a result, audiences experience more grandiose performances that might not be feasible in smaller venues, fostering a vibrant cultural scene.
• Evaluate the impact of financial resources on the creative output of big house theatres compared to smaller companies.
  • Financial resources play a crucial role in shaping the creative output of big house theatres. With substantial funding, these venues can afford high-quality production elements like professional sets, lighting, and sound design. In contrast, smaller companies often have limited budgets that restrict their ability to experiment or hire top talent. This disparity can lead to differences in the scale and ambition of productions, affecting the overall artistic landscape within the theatrical community.
• Synthesize how big house theatres can balance commercial success with artistic innovation in their programming choices.
  • Big house theatres face the challenge of balancing commercial success with artistic innovation by carefully curating their programming choices. They often include blockbuster hits that draw large audiences alongside more experimental works that push boundaries. By strategically placing these innovative pieces in their season lineup while promoting them effectively, they can attract diverse audiences. This approach not only sustains financial viability but also enriches the cultural dialogue within the community, showcasing a range of artistic expressions.

Related terms

Regional Theatre: A form of professional theatre that is located outside of New York City and produces a diverse range of theatrical works, often with an emphasis on local talent and community engagement.

Broadway: A term used to describe the professional theatrical performances presented in the theater district of New York City, known for its high production values and star-studded casts.

Theatre Production: The process of creating a theatrical performance, which involves various stages including script selection, casting, rehearsals, set design, and performances.