Serious Play works toward reshaping society’s conversation on prominent social issues through the art of ensemble theatre. We create evocative and authentic theatre productions that foster a culture of thinking and debate in the Connecticut River Valley, and beyond. Serious Play strives to engage, tantalize and challenge audiences through the power of total physical expressiveness onstage.
“The work of Serious Play Theatre Ensemble is an essential part of the Valley’s expressive arts community. Sheryl continues to challenge society, leaving the audience captivated, and most importantly leaving them thinking about how to became a catalyst for change! Thank you for your talent, time and the thirst to share ideas.”
BLIND DREAMERS
MOVING WATER - PHASE TWO
Serious Play is both a Maker and a Presenter Organization:
We devise and stage our own theatrical productions, and also deconstruct and stage classical and contemporary plays with post-show discussions. We present the work of other outstanding national and international performing artists to Connecticut River Valley audiences.
Serious Play as Maker - The Ensemble:
Serious Play maintains a company of cutting- edge actors, designers, musicians, and teachers who are able to continue the unique work of physical theatre in an ensemble setting. We train actors in the experience of physical theatre as an innovative art form with emphasis on the collaborative process and create original devised work, stage new plays, reinterpret classic and modern scripts informed by the perspective of the ensemble actors on contemporary issues. Serious Play maintains a commitment to diversity and to understanding each other’s point of view, explores themes of social justice and non-violence and performs, teaches and tours locally, nationally and internationally.
Serious Play as Presenter - Edinburgh Fringe Performance Exchange:
For the past 25 years, Serious Play has created authentic and relevant theatre experiences. We have worked to stimulate conversations on prominent social issues through the art of ensemble theatre. But Serious Play wrestled with new ways of making a difference in the world. We believe that right now theatre has a vital role to play in helping us listen to one another. Today’s conversation is a global one. Now, more than ever, an international global theatre exchange can play an important role as a catalyst to change. Serious Play’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival Performance Exchange introduces Connecticut River Valley artists to the world’s largest theatre festival, and brings back acclaimed and innovative performances for local audiences.