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Why We Go To The Theatre
(And You Should, Too!)
There are many reasons why theatre has been around for thousands of years, and is still growing. Many people describe the theatre as something magical, and truly an extraordinary experience.
First and foremost, the theatre brings people together. Many people go to performances with groups of family members and friends. The theatre not only gets you to the same place, but it allows you to share the experience of that particular show with one another. I have even heard stories of people making new friends with those sitting next to them at theatres.
For many, theatre has become a tradition. Maybe it is an annual event with your family. It’s even possible that you go to a theatre every time you’re on vacation, such as the New York Broadway. Regardless of the specifics, the theatre can be a wonderful thing to share with one another, and it never gets old! New shows, new theatre buildings, new actors, new directors, you name it… each show will feel new whether you’ve seen it before or not.
Second, much like books and movies, theatre shows allow us to escape for a time being. Not like books or movies though, the theatre often feels more real since the audience shares the same space as the actors. While shows can help us enter the world of the story, and temporarily leave our own lives, this escape can also bring meaning into our lives as well. Maybe the story presents a different perspective of the world that you did not notice before. Often, theatre performances demonstrate to us the love, the strength, the determination, etc. that we need to move forward in our lives.
Conversely of helping you temporarily escape reality, theatre performances can even help you deal with difficulties by going through similar situations with you. While shows bring joy and laughter, they can also bring sadness. But this is not a negative attribute if you feel the same way as the characters. They are not only going through the same thing as you, but also can demonstrate ways to get through it.
Lastly, just like any art, you can really appreciate the hard work and dedication of the actors, directors, set designers, production staff, etc. that bring amazing shows to you time and time again.
These are just a few incentives why you should go to the theatre. There really are millions. If you love the theatre, what are your reasons for why you go?
by Olivia Molof, Marketing Intern Spring 2014