Your Guide to Your First Theatre Festival

If you have ever been moved by a theatrical performance or find yourself singing tunes from your favorite musicals, then you will enjoy attending a theatre festival. This is where many different stage performers and actors come together to bring you an experience full of drama, comedy, storytelling, music, and more. 

What can you expect? If this is your first theatre festival, here is everything you need to know. 

Review the Schedule

You can almost always count on a theatre festival to provide you with a detailed schedule of all the performances throughout the duration of the event. This will help you to plan your visit so that you won’t miss the shows you are most interested in. 

Get your hands on the schedule and do your research. Which shows are most important to you? Which ones pique your interest? Which are must-see shows that are non-negotiable to you? 

You can expect theatres to often spread some of their best shows over the entire festival so that everyone has an opportunity to see the most anticipated performances. Using the schedule, decide which days you’d like to go. If you can swing all festival days, you are sure to have the most rewarding experience. 

Buy Your Tickets Early

Once you review the schedule and know what shows you want to see, buy your tickets early. Doing so is the only way to ensure you get to see everything you want to. Depending on the theatre festival, tickets may be sold per show or per day, especially for multi-day festivals. 

There is usually a limited number of reserved seating available — and the earlier you make the investment, the greater your chance of having access to them. 

Get Up Close with Actors and Performers

Theatre festivals are all about, well, theatre. But that does not mean you are only going to see on-stage performances. Instead, these festivals encompass the industry in its entirety. You will have opportunities to attend special talks, question and answer sessions, and even see behind the scenes. 

Be sure to take advantage of these special treats. 

Food and Beverages

Whenever you attend a theatre festival, you will want to look into the policy concerning food and beverages. Will they be available? Are you able to bring your own? What can or can’t you bring? 

Most festivals will offer various types of foods and beverages for sale throughout the event. Keep in mind that this will depend on the venue. Some may have their own areas for dining and drinking, such as a bar and/or restaurant. Others may call in outside vendors or food trucks to serve patrons. 

Before attempting to bring your own food or beverage into the festival, you may want to make sure it is allowed. Each festival is different and their policy regarding doing so should be clearly stated. 

If you find out that a percentage of the proceeds from the purchase of food or beverages will go to the theatre, always consider contributing. This is often a great way to support your local performing arts organizations. 

Have Fun and Soak It All In

While you want to make sure you have everything prepared for festival time, over-planning can take all the joy out of it. 

Your first theatre festival is one you are not likely to forget. So, immerse yourself in the adventure, have some fun, and always leave room for spontaneity. Ready to get up on stage for open mic night?

In the Works ~ In the Woods Festival at Forestburgh Playhouse

Now that you’ve read through the guide giving you all the information you need to visit your first theatre festival, it is time to be part of the magic happening in the Sullivan Catskills from September 8th through 10th. 

Forestburgh Playhouse’s In the Works ~ In the Woods Festival is bringing you musicals, plays, creative conversation, and more. You won’t want to miss this opportunity. 

Get your tickets today. Or, contact us for more information.