Baltimore Theatre Project facts for kids
The Baltimore Theatre Project is a cool place in Baltimore, Maryland where people perform all sorts of shows! It's a performing arts center, which means you can see plays, dances, and other amazing performances there. It has been a home for creative artists for many years.
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Early Years of the Theatre Project
How the Theatre Project Started
The Baltimore Theatre Project began in 1971. A person named Philip Arnoult created it. It was connected to Antioch University at first. When it first opened, it was known as Baltimore's Free Theatre. This was because you didn't have to pay to see any of the shows!
Philip Arnoult also started special programs for the community. These included the Baltimore Neighborhood Arts Circus and Baltimore Voices. These programs helped bring art to different parts of the city.
Exciting Performances and Community Shows
Many different theatre groups came to perform in the 1970s. Some famous groups included Pilobolus Dance Theater, Urban Bush Women, and Bread and Puppet Theatre. The Theatre Project also helped put on The New Theatre (TNT) Festivals. These festivals happened at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and in downtown Baltimore.
In 1980, the Theatre Project helped the city with a special project. They created a musical called Rat Squad. This show was for kids in elementary school. It taught them how to help keep their neighborhoods clean. Tens of thousands of students saw the musical. The city even brought it back the next year!
In the early 1980s, the Theatre Project was no longer connected to Antioch University. Because of this, they could no longer offer free shows to everyone.
The Theatre Project: 1983 to Today
New Look and New Leaders
In 1983, the Baltimore Theatre Project got a big makeover. They worked hard to improve the main stage area. The spaces where performers acted and where the audience sat were also redesigned.
In 1992, Robert Mrozek became the new director. During his time, many talented artists performed there. Some of these artists included Karen Finley, Danny Hoch, and Holly Hughes.
In 2001, Anne Cantler Fulwiler took over as director. She brought in local groups like Blue Rose Theatre. National performers also came, such as Jacksonville slam poet Al Letson.
Support and Future Growth
In late 2009, the Theatre Project received special funding. This money came from the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation. It was part of a national plan to help support the arts.
Chris Pfingsten became the producing director in 2012. The Baltimore Theatre Project continues to be a vibrant place for performances and creativity in the city.
