https://staircasehamilton.com/
Keywords
Staircase Theatre, Hamilton arts, improv, comedy, community engagement, event hosting, arts funding, local culture
Summary
In this conversation, Alex Hobcraft interviews Matthew Serena from The Staircase Theatre, discussing its history, evolution, and role in Hamilton's arts scene. They explore the challenges of hosting events, community engagement, marketing, and funding for the arts. Matthew shares insights on improv and comedy workshops, the balance between public and private events, and the future goals for The Staircase Theatre as a cultural hub.
Takeaways
The Staircase Theatre has been a vital arts space since the late 90s.
It serves as a creative hub for local artists to test their work.
The theatre adapts to trends in the arts, offering diverse programming.
Community engagement is crucial for the theatre's success.
Marketing challenges arise from being a destination venue.
Funding for the arts is increasingly difficult to secure.
The Staircase Theatre balances public events with private rentals.
Improv and comedy workshops are open to all skill levels.
Local artists often use the theatre as a rehearsal space.
The future goal is to maintain affordability and community involvement.
Sound bites
"You cannot, will not kill it."
"It's like the Doctor Who TARDIS."
"We want people to see who you are."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to The Staircase Theatre
01:03 The Evolution of The Staircase Theatre
02:48 The Role of The Staircase in Hamilton's Arts Scene
09:06 Event Hosting and Community Engagement
15:11 Supporting Artists and Building Community
20:52 Marketing Challenges in the Arts
27:00 Improv and Comedy Workshops
29:46 The Future of The Staircase Theatre
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