Arriving at the Barn Theatre in Stuart, FL reminded me of days when carnivals, circuses, and theatrical troupes all visited rural fairgrounds around the country and gave people an escape from their everyday lives for a dime or a quarter. After a few nights of entertainment, they would pull up stakes and move to the next town. The Barn Theatre in Stuart, FL is celebrating over 50 years. They have been Stuart’s Community Theatre since 1971.
The Barn Theatre in the town of Stuart, Florida is a small 160-seat community theater and the oldest non-profit community theater in Martin County.
A Local Theatre Community
The theatre company takes a great deal of pride in its passion for keeping the local community of Stuart involved in the theatre arts. The theater is equipped with top-of-the-line stage lighting and sound equipment making productions rival many larger venues.
I have attended several shows at the Barn Theatre but the night I returned, The Marvelous Wonderettes was being performed. The show is a journey back to a simpler time before social media, where music was the greatest communication tool we had to express our feelings. There are many recognizable songs that had the audience tapping their toes and singing along.
It was nice to be able to see one of my past TV Production students working as the lighting designer for the show. I also talked with the Director of this production which was the Theatre Instructor at Martin County High School. In fact, many community volunteers from actors to ushers are what contribute to the Barn Theatre’s longevity. They are the ones that make theatre magic and memories for the audience. The entire staff was friendly and helpful.
Upcoming Shows
The staff seemed very excited about the upcoming season. Click on The Barn Theatre website for current and upcoming shows. If you live in the Stuart area or are visiting, plan on spending an evening at the theatre for comedy, concerts, drama, or a musical and let the folks at The Barn Theatre transport you to the magical world of live theatre.
Catch a show at 2400 SE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL
