Celebrating World Theatre Day at Flat Rock Playhouse: A Legacy of Storytelling

“World Theater Day. What does it mean to me? It means lots of things,” says Lisa Bryant, the Producing Artistic Director at Flat Rock Playhouse. “Theater’s been around since all of time as far as we know it. It’s been an expression of our humanity, a collection of our stories, a ritualistic experience… and to have a day that’s thoughtfully dedicated to celebrating those things is a joy for us because it’s what we do, and this is where we work.”

Lisa also shared the fascinating history of the Playhouse: “We started in 1937 as a traveling group of vagabonds, and then in 1952 we were awarded this property, and we were finally able to put down roots as a brick-and-mortar theater destination. We actually started under a tent—Barnum & Bailey donated one of their old tents to us. Every season, the ritual of theater began with the raising of the tent, and the closing of the season ended with the entire company—actors, designers, artisans, and interns—all shoulder to shoulder raising and lowering the tent. Now, we have this beautiful barn that we affectionately call our home, and we’ve been here since 1952. We’re really close to our 75th anniversary. In the 1960s, the North Carolina seat of government awarded the title of the State Theater of North Carolina. “We are the only state theater in North Carolina. So, we’re proud to represent what it means to be an artistic destination in our beautiful and amazing state particularly, and especially in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains.”

Lisa also shared an interesting perspective about the Playhouse’s unique place in the theater world. “I met a new patron friend this year who described us as a Broadway theater with Southern hospitality. That kind of does sum us up. We are under the mothership of the Actor’s Equity Union, so when you go to a Broadway show or you see a Broadway tour, we are hiring the same level of professional excellence, but the bonus is you get to see that right here in this amazing small Appalachian town with a wonderful home-felt community experience.”

With these sentiments in mind, the team at Flat Rock Playhouse celebrates the universal power of theater and the unique warmth they offer to both artists and patrons alike.

While many theaters rely on external production resources, Flat Rock Playhouse takes pride in its in-house craftsmanship. As Christy Souther, the Marketing Director, at Flat Rock Playhouse notes, “It’s a very magical place when you’re in this theater, and there’s not a magic bus that rolls in. Everything is done right behind these curtains.” Every aspect of production, from set design to the final curtain call, is created by a team of dedicated professionals working on-site.

Lisa adds, “It is a collection of artists and artisans… designing and building the sets, the lights, the costumes, the props, and the sound.” This commitment to originality ensures that every performance is a unique masterpiece, meticulously crafted with skill and passion right in the heart of Western North Carolina.

As Christy further emphasizes, “You’ll never see another production like we do because it’s so custom. In my opinion, it’s not the same show every time, and I think that’s very special.” This bespoke approach makes each performance feel fresh, personal, and one-of-a-kind—truly a testament to the Playhouse’s dedication to providing an exceptional theatrical experience.

Flat Rock Playhouse isn’t just about performances; it’s a hub for artistic development and a nurturing environment for young talent. Lisa proudly shares the theater’s long-standing apprenticeship and internship programs, which are designed to support early-career artists: “It’s a hands-on opportunity for them to understand what the real world of this business looks like.” Many former interns and apprentices have gone on to successful careers in the arts, both on and off the stage, and the Playhouse is committed to fostering talent to ensure that the future of live theater remains bright.

“It’s a chance for them to see if they still really like it, and if they want to continue on this path,” Lisa says. “We help them achieve the goals they want to reach and ensure they have the support to navigate this challenging industry.” Lisa is a product of this very program, and she’s proud to see how many people at Flat Rock Playhouse have similarly started in these programs, going on to have successful professional careers in the arts—onstage, backstage, in marketing, admin, the box office, and even as devoted patrons, donors, and advocates for the arts. Many have applied their skills in various professions, and Lisa notes that “without that exposure to the arts and the skillset that go along with that, maybe they would’ve been less successful. We are really proud to lift that up whenever we can.”

 

 

The magic of live theater lies in its ability to evoke deep emotions and provoke thought. Lisa recalls the impact of productions like Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, which challenged audiences in a shared, immersive environment: “When you put it on stage live in front of people and remove the safety of a television screen, it just makes everything more potent. It forces you to be collectively side by side with somebody who maybe doesn’t share your convictions.” This ability to spark conversations and bridge perspectives is what makes theater so vital in today’s world.

Flat Rock Playhouse continues to thrive as North Carolina’s state theater, offering an unforgettable blend of professional excellence and heartfelt community spirit. Whether you’re a theater enthusiast or a first-time visitor, you’re sure to leave inspired, entertained, and eager to return.

At Flat Rock Playhouse, the team is dedicated to blending the timeless elements of traditional theater with the innovation of modern technology. As Christy explains, “We try to marry modern and more traditional theater to appeal to a wide variety of people. In this world of the digital age, there’s so much thrown at you, and everything is coming from everywhere. But when you’re in this theater, you’re just focused on what’s on stage.” The Playhouse embraces the best of both worlds by incorporating projections, sound, and lighting technology into performances.

“We honor the coziness and tradition of this small, historic theater, but also celebrate the new technology that our young professionals bring to the table,” Christy continues. “We’re continuing to push the boundaries of how theater can be experienced and presented. It doesn’t have to be archaic or old-fashioned—it’s about showing how beautiful theater can be, especially when you combine the old with the new.” This innovative approach ensures that every production feels fresh while maintaining the heart and soul of classic theatrical experiences.

Diversity in programming is a cornerstone of Flat Rock Playhouse. Lisa emphasizes the variety available: “If music is your jam, we’ve got the entire Music on the Rock concert series. If plays and musicals are your jam, we offer a variety of those—mystery, drama, comedy, contemporary musicals, classic golden age musicals, usually presented with a little modern twist family and youth programming.” From jazz and Motown to classic and contemporary theater, there’s something for every taste. Christy adds, “We really value our patrons’ opinion so that we can bring them all of these wonderful shows and varieties and give them something a little different, but also something they’re familiar with.” This dedication to audience engagement ensures an ever-evolving and captivating season.

As Lisa reflects, “People are proud to live here. People are proud to support each other here, and all of it just infuses everything else and everyone else, and we feel really lucky to be a part of it, and we want you to be a part of it too.” This sense of community and shared passion for the arts is what makes Flat Rock Playhouse a truly special place. Be sure to check out their 2025 show lineup on the website and consider being a part of the vibrant theater family that continues to bring magic to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

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