There’s no need to board a plane to New York, Chicago or Los Angeles to experience quality theatre; the Quad Cities is a little slice of Broadway.
As a whole, Ambrose students may not be the most interested in theatre, but the area has a lot to offer those who are into that sort of thing. Students studying theatre are encouraged to pursue opportunities off campus and there is always something for them to do nearby. I feel there are so many lessons non-theatre students can learn from going to theatres and seeing shows (I’m not just saying that because I’ve been involved in theatre forever, I promise).
Right here on our campus we have an award winning, multi-talented theatre department, which you can visit, in the Galvin Fine Arts Center. In fact, you can go see their take of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” THIS WEEKEND!
http://www.sau.edu/News_and_Events/Theatre_Events/E120413_A_Midsummer_Nights_Dream.html
But if you are itching to get off campus and see strangers perform, I have options for you too–no sweat!
Not too far from campus is the Adler Theatre. It hosts a number of traveling professional shows each year. http://www.adlertheatre.com/
Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse, in Rock Island- Each year, approximately eight shows are produced. This includes musicals and straight plays. In addition to the regular season, two to three children’s shows are staged. There are also performances from various music groups. A regular on the Circa 21 stage, and also involved with other theatres in the area, is Tristan Layne Tapscott.
“Circa 21 is the jewel of Quad Cities,” Tapscott said. “It is a beautiful theatre and a treasure. You really don’t see old vaudeville houses like this anymore. It is rich with history.”
A unique trait of Circa 21 is its performing wait staff, The Bootleggers–one of the few performing wait staff’s left in the country. You’ll leave Circa absolutely stuffed, and not just from the mouthwatering buffet. Each of their productions is a high quality delight.
http://www.circa21.com/
The District Theatre, in Rock Island- Formerly known as the Harrison Hilltop Theatre–this is “one of the most creative and daring companies in the Quad Cities”. Tapscott founded this gem in 2008 and has produced over 30 plays and musicals since. They were the first to produce Rent in the Quad Cities and annually have a production of The Rocky Horror Show! This theatre offers an intimate environment that is sure to entice you and leave you wanting to come back for more. Tickets are only $15! For more information, visit http://www.districttheatre.com/
Other theatres in the Quad Cities include:
Prenzie Players http://www.prenzieplayers.com/
Davenport Junior Theatre http://davenportjuniortheatre.com/
The Curtainbox Theatre http://thecurtainbox.com/
New Ground Theatre http://newgroundtheatre.org/index.htm
Quad City Music Guild http://qcmusicguild.com/
Playcrafters Barn Theatre http://playcrafters.com/
Ambrose has strong roots with a lot of these companies. Most of the theatres also offer classes on a variety of topics. See, I told you students could learn lessons from the theatres! With all these options to choose from, go experience some theatre in your own backyard. You’ll be thankful you did!