Live Theater In Florida: The Other Escape

By Doug Wise

view original post: http://www.state27.com/blog/2015/6/5/local-theater-in-florida-the-other-escape

I love going to movies, especially during the summertime. Movies are a great way to escape the heat and chaos of life. And, of course, I love watching movies and eating popcorn in a movie theater. There’s something even soothing about walking into a movie theater and smelling popcorn.

However, there’s also something soothing about walking into a small, quaint theater and watching a play — even if you’re not a theater-going regular.

Source: www.madcowtheatre.com. Photo credit: Tom Hurst

Reasons to Catch a Play

Like a movie theater, the climate is cool, it’s dark, and it’s two hours of escape from your cell phone and "to-do" list. Sure, you often can’t sit there and throw back popcorn while actors perform their craft, but most local theaters have awesome baked goods, other snacks and beverages of choice (even beer and wine) available during intermission. Some theaters even allow you to take your drink to your seat, while you watch the performance.

Of course, these reasons are all superfluous, hopefully, to the feeling of connecting with a story and its actors in a live, up-close environment.

Florida: Your Ticket to Local Theater

In case there’s any question, Florida’s theater scene is as vibrant, plentiful, and talented as any theater scene in the country. Depending where you live, at the bottom of this blog post are some options. These theaters offer up productions that range from kids plays to new plays (and playwrights) to musicals to Shakespeare to Pulitzer prize-winning classics — something for everyone.

Once again, check out the list at the bottom of the page and then be sure to comment with any theaters I might have missed!

College and University Theater Productions (and High School!)

They usually don’t have the prestige or promotion of your local and regional theaters, but many colleges, universities, and high schools offer great productions — that are also easy on the wallet/pocket book.

Obviously, the higher the education level, such as a large university, the more likely you are to see a professional-quality production (not that some high school students aren’t ready for Broadway, because there’s some amazing talent out there).

What to Wear

This is a conversation I have with my wife every time we get ready to see a play, no matter how many plays we’ve seen. “Do I need to dress up,” we’ll ask each other. The answer to this question is often “not necessarily.” (How’s that for definitive!)

However, the answer truly lies in your comfort level, as well as the venue. If it’s a special event, such as an opening night gala, then typically you want to dress according to the event guidelines.

Anything from jeans to business casual is what you’ll typically find at the theater. The larger the venue, such as a performing arts center, the dressier you’ll see people get.

Most theaters don’t have a dress code. They just want you to enjoy the show and turn off your cell phone.

Source: http://venicestage.com

And Now … the List

It’s what blogs do best. Below is the aforementioned list of theaters throughout Central and Southwest Florida.

Be sure to comment with any theaters I might have missed!

Editor’s Note: For the purpose of this blog post, I kept the list to only theaters that show plays — but not dinner theaters — the subject of dinner theaters is another blog article to come!

Orlando-Tavares-DeLand Area

Mad Cow Theater — Orlando

Breakthrough Theater — Orlando

Winter Park Playhouse — Orlando

Orlando Repertory Theater — Orlando

Orlando Shakespeare Theater — Orlando

Dr. Philips Performing Arts Center — Orlando

The Athens Theatre — DeLand

Sonnentag Theatre — Mount Dora

Tavares Theater — Tavares

The Bay Street Players — Eustis

Garden Theatre — Winter Garden