Top 10 Small Theater Companies: More Bang for Your Buck

January 13, 3:00 PMClassic TV ExaminerDoug Krentzlin

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  Production sketch for Synetic's "Dante" (by Anastasia Simes)

As anyone who has read my theatrical reviews knows, I have always believed that the best shows that are presented in this area are those produced by the smaller professional companies. In a nutshell, here are my reasons:

1. They do better work. Unlike the bigger theaters, which are constantly looking for the hottest, trendiest shows, the smaller companies tend to have a more interesting mix of newer scripts and tested classics. Also, the casts feature the best of local talent as opposed to importing actors from New York or Hollywood.

2. They have better venues. Plays are far more enjoyable when seen in an intimate setting that allows the audience to see the actors and experience the action up close. Some of the best venues in this area include the Atlas Performing Arts Center in D.C., the Black Box Theater in Takoma Park, the Writer’s Center in Bethesda, Theatre on the Run in Arlington and, my personal favorite, the Church Street Theater in D.C.

3. The ticket prices are far more reasonable. As I have stated many times, it is insane to pay between $75 to $100 for a single ticket when there are better shows that have tickets in the $10 to $30 range. (In fact, Catalyst Theater Company charges just $10 for all performances.)

Below is a listing of ten small local companies that do exemplary work and their opening productions of the New Year.

Catalyst Theater Company – Bertolt Brecht’s “Roundheads and Peakheads” (Feb. 11 – Mar. 15) http://www.catalysttheater.org/

Constellation Theatre Company – Beaumarchais’ “The Marriage of Figaro” (Jan. 22 – Feb. 22) http://constellationtheatre.org/

Firebelly Productions – Beth Henley’s “Crimes of the Heart” (Mar. 26 – Apr. 19)
http://www.firebellyproductions.net/

Keegan Theatre – Samuel Beckett’s “Krapp’s Last Tape” (Feb. 19 – Mar. 14) http://www.keegantheatre.com/

Longacre Lea – TBA http://www.longacrelea.org/

Quotidian Theatre Company – Steve LaRocque’s “Monday Evening 1942” (Apr. 17 – May 17) http://www.quotidiantheatre.org/

Solas Nua – Abbie Spallan's "Pumpgirl" (Feb. 26 - Mar. 22) http://www.solasnua.org/

Spooky Action Theater – Mikhail Bulgakov’s “Heart of a Dog” (Feb. 3 – Mar. 8) http://www.spookyaction.org/home.html

Synetic Theater – “Dante” based on Dante’s “Devine Comedy” (Feb. 6 – Mar. 21) http://www.synetictheater.org/

Washington Shakespeare Company – Anton Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard” (Jan. 15 – Feb. 15) http://www.washingtonshakespeare.org/