Minneapolis, Minnesota - Theatre in the Round Offers Excellence in Community Theatre

Theatre in the Round, located at 245 Cedar Avenue in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the oldest community theatre in the city. As a volunteer for over eight years, I have been able to experience the joys of working at a professional community theatre.

In 1969, Theatre in the Round moved from downtown Minneapolis to its current address in the Seven Corners neighborhood, a turn-of-the-century furniture warehouse which had just lost its tenant, Bimbo's Pizza Emporium. The architectural firm Ralph Rapson & Associates -- designers of the famed Guthrie and University of Minnesota theaters -- workers built an arena stage, where the audience surrounds the action. There are no more than 7 rows in each section of the theatre, so every seat is not far from the stage. There are two entrances for patrons, through the theatre's vomitoriums, or "voms". Actors have 2 additional voms to make their entrances, the "tunnel" vom and the Cedar Vom. Since it is such an intimate space, seeing or hearing the actors is not a problem. The theatre does, however, have listening devices available on certain performances. The theatre also has 3 spots available for wheelchairs. In the back lobby of the theatre, patrons are able to enjoy refreshments and snacks during intermission. Choices include soft drinks, frappacino, coffee, Little Debbie Brownies, and oreos. The back lobby also features an area artists works of art. Each show, there is a different artist featured. You may glance at watercolor paintings, oil paintings, acrylic paintings, or photographs, and then have a chance to sign the guest book. Information about purchasing art is usually supplied. The theatre's back and front lobbies were remodeled for their 50th anniversary. The remodeled theatre is a much needed improvement and shows off the talent of many artistic volunteers. The theatre's front lobby showcases the season of shows with large artistic signs showing the show titles, and cast photos of the shows that have already taken place that season. The other wall in the front lobby features the headshots of the cast, director, stage manager, and design staff of the current show playing. It is a great way to honor all the volunteers that put many hours into working on shows at the theatre. All actors, stage managers, designers, tech staff, house managers, and box office staff are volunteers. The only position that is paid is the director of each show. Each show, a Board Member on Duty delivers a speech to the patrons about how to volunteer at the theatre. Board Members at the theatre help to make financial and artistic decisions about the theatre by attending board meetings. Theatre in the Round features a wide variety of different types of plays, from Shakespeare to Chekhov, to area premieres of local, regional, or national playwrights. The theatre usually puts on one musical or show featuring music per year. Current ticket prices are $20 each. Students and seniors receive a $2 discount on Friday and Sunday performances. Season tickets are also available.

Theatre in the Round, otherwise known as TRP (for Theatre in the Round Players), is fully staffed with one full time Executive Director, one Assistant Administrator, and a part time Volunteer Coordinator. They are available Monday through Friday by phone or at the theatre for questions about the theatre. This staff goes above and beyond to give the many volunteers what they need to put together the very best shows. The support is unbelievable. As a volunteer, I always feel like my work is appreciated because the staff makes you feel worthy.

In terms of volunteering, there are so many ways to get involved at Theatre in the Round.Volunteer opportunities include stage managing, property design, set design, lighting design, sound design, light board operator, sound board operator, backstage crew, set construction crew, lighting crew, properties crew, box office, house managing, and of course, the acting! The time needed for volunteer jobs vary depending on the job. Stage managing, for instance, requires about 2 months of volunteer time, 5-6 evenings a week, whereas a set construction crew member may only take a couple hours of your time. The theatre is more than happy to get volunteers of any kind, with little experience to those with years of theatre experience. The more experienced volunteers take the less experienced "under their wings". The best part of volunteering is that you are working on great shows with other great theatre professionals. Everyone at TRP, since the vast majority are volunteers, wants to be there. They are volunteering their time because they love what they do. I believe that's the most important thing. TRP also has excellent resources that you will not find at many other local theatres. They have a fantastic scene shop, costume shop, properties shop, and furniture storage, with furniture of many different types and eras. All of these shops include the tools, props, or furniture you may need to get the job done. If you can't find what you're looking for, chances are one of the staff members or other designers will point you in the right direction. When I design props for many shows at Theatre in the Round, I often have more than half of my props that I need right in Prop Storage. The other props that I need I gather or make with the budget I am given for each show. Each show you work on gives you the opportunity to work with new people and old friends that you may have worked with several times before.

Theatre in the Round is one of the Twin Cities best theatres to work at because of their professional attitude, resources, and overall desire to put on great shows. It is my second home.