GCAC Presents: Evolution Theatre Company, Columbus’ New Species Of Theatre

Since Evolution Theatre Company’s first production in 2008, our mission has always been to bring new and exciting theatre to the Columbus area audiences. If someone lives in the theatrical centers of Chicago, Los Angeles or New York City, it is common to have the opportunity to see new, exciting works written by unknown as well as established playwrights. Why should these few have all the fun? Why should these few have the opportunity to see something first while we have to wait until the touring company comes to town or never see it at all?

We think that here in Columbus, we should have the same opportunity as those in Chicago, Los Angeles and yes even those in New York City! That is why Evolution Theatre Company presents area premieres, regional premieres and even world premieres. We also have a reputation of presenting many “out-of-the-mainstream” works.

Some have called what we present provocative, gritty, risky and experimental. And that is all true, but isn’t that what life itself is? We are a company of risk takers. We encourage our performers, directors and designers to take risks. We also encourage our audiences to take risks. See a show that you are not familiar with, all you are risking is a few dollars and a couple of hours. But you may be rewarded with an exceptional experience that will make you laugh, and perhaps cry and maybe even think. Be a theatre pioneer. It may just be the best adventure you ever had.

We read between 50 to 60 plays a year to come up with the four or five that will be produced in the season. It is not a matter of simply choosing those that we like. There are a number of variables that must be considered among them are casting, set, costume and lighting requirements, compatibility with our overall mission and audience appeal. A lot of thought goes in to the choice of what to produce to ensure that we deliver on our promise of presenting that special audience experience.

Sometimes we even engage the services of a committee, as in this year’s selection of the six original scripts, all written by local authors, which will be part of the Bicentennial Playwrights Festival to be produced at the Columbus Performing Arts Center the entire week of October 8 – 14, 2012. To find out more about this unique event and other upcoming productions, please visit www.evolutiontheatre.org or call or text 614-233-1124.

GCAC Presents is a bi-weekly column brought to you by the Greater Columbus Arts Council – supporting art and advancing culture in Columbus – in partnership with the Columbus Arts Marketing Association, a professional development and networking association of arts marketers. Each column will be written by a different local arts organization to give you an insiders look at the arts in Columbus.