Alliance Theatre
Atlanta
Since its founding in 1968, the Atlanta-based Alliance Theatre has grown into the largest regional theater in the Southeast region. The theater company boasts 100 original productions that launched many well-received Broadway productions, among them “Tuck Everlasting,” “Aida” and “Bring It On: The Musical.”
Aspiring playwrights first found a haven in the Alliance Theatre in the 1970s under the artistic directorship of Fred Chappell. Tennessee Williams’ “Tiger Tail” appeared onstage for the first time at the Alliance in 1978. Celebrated actors such as Richard Dreyfuss and Morgan Freeman also sought out the theater company.
The leadership of Kenny Leon in 1988 added more of a focus on African-American works. That tradition continues today with recently premiered works including “The Color Purple” and “Sister Act: The Musical.” The Alliance Theatre won the Regional Theatre Tony Award in 2007.
Groups can join the company’s 165,000 annual patrons with discounted rates, priority seating and behind-the-scenes access. Before Play and After Words discussions feature intimate conversations with cast, staff and creative teams for a more informed look at the work behind an Alliance Theatre production.
Guthrie Theater
Minneapolis
What began as Sir Tyrone Guthrie’s frustrations with the commercialization of Broadway evolved into the founding of the Guthrie Theater in 1963. The Guthrie Theater’s professional classical productions became immediately heralded after “The House of Atreus” toured New York City and Los Angeles soon after opening.
From a minimal staff in charge of four summer productions, the Guthrie Theater now operates year-round with a staff of more than 500 people. In the 1980s, the theater opened the Guthrie Lab to foster new work and performance techniques. They received the Regional Theatre Tony Award in 1982.
The 2006 theater building is part of the entertainment, as the theater offers tours of the $125 million building. On the banks of the Mississippi River, the 285,000-square-foot facility is made up of three theaters. Groups can discover the groundbreaking technology used in its construction on the 75-minute Architecture Tour.
Other behind-the-scenes experiences occur during the 45-minute Backstage Tour and on the Costume Rentals Tour of the company’s collection of more than 50,000 stage costumes.
