Author: Jenn Byers
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The History of William Shakespeare (Abridged)
When discussing the foundations of modern theatre, the name William Shakespeare is impossible to ignore. Often referred to as one of the greatest playwrights in history, Shakespeare’s work has shaped storytelling, performance, and language. Dive into the history of William Shakespeare (abridged) to see how Shakespeare’s legacy has shaped theatre today. Early Life and Background…
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How to Source Props: The Four B’s of Prop Design
Every prop onstage has a story. But before it ever reaches the rehearsal room, it begins with a sourcing decision. Where do theatre props come from? Theatres should have a budget for props to keep the production affordable while providing a framework for the props designer. For community theatres, school productions, and student designers, sourcing…
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What is World Theatre Day?
Every year on March 27th, theatre artists and audiences around the world celebrate World Theatre Day. Established in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI), this international day highlights the cultural importance of theatre and its role in bringing people together. World Theatre Day serves as both a celebration and a reminder. Theatre is not…
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Prevent Phone Use During Live Theatre
There’s nothing quite like the shared energy of a live performance. Unfortunately, one of the biggest disruptions in modern live performance is phone use during the show. One recent example took place on Broadway during a performance of Hand to God, where an audience member tried to use a fake outlet onstage to charge his…
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Theatre Superstitions Explained: Macbeth, The Ghost Light, and More
Theatre has always carried a reputation for being a little superstitious. A majority of theatre superstitions began as practical responses to real risks: fire-lit stages, heavy scenery, and crowded backstage spaces. Over time, these safety habits transformed into rituals, creating a shared culture that connects performers and crew across centuries. Learn about four different theatre…
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Finding Love in Theatre
Community theatre has a way of bringing people together in unexpected and deeply meaningful ways. Long rehearsals, shared creative goals, and the trust built behind the scenes often create bonds that extend far beyond the stage. For many, theatre isn’t just a hobby—it’s where they met their partner, built a relationship, or found a shared…
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The Ghost Light: The Theatre Tradition That Never Leaves the Stage
Long after the audience has gone home and the house lights are turned off, one light remains glowing on stage. Known as the ghost light, this single illuminated bulb has become one of theatre’s most enduring traditions—part practical safety measure, part superstition, and part shared cultural history. What is a Ghost Light? The ghost light…
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Theatre Legacy Robe Meaning & Best Practices
Theatre traditions help connect one production to the next and build a shared sense of legacy. These traditions might include group huddles before a show, putting out the theatre’s ghost light, or painting a small mural on the theatre wall for each production, with cast and crew signatures. Some theatres may even have their own…
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Choosing the Right Social Media Platforms for Theatres
Social media helps community and educational theatres reach audiences, promote shows, and share what happens behind the scenes. With so many platforms out there, it can be hard to choose the right ones and keep up with regular posts. Here’s a look at four major platforms and how you can use them to promote your…
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Physical vs Digital Playbills for Theatre
As theatres continue to balance tradition with accessibility, one question keeps popping up: should productions use physical playbills, digital-only playbills, or a combination of both? Playbills serve an important purpose beyond listing cast names. They help audiences connect to the production, recognise contributors, and understand the work happening on and off the stage. Choosing the…