Black Theatre Troupe

As a degreed theatre professional with both performance and directing experience from coast to coast, I was very interested in checking out a theatre company that was new to me.
The Helen Mason Performing Arts Center is a nice venue. The lobby is inviting, bathrooms were clean, the staff was friendly, and the performance space was decent. It was a seemingly modern facility with easy parking — that was a nice perk.
Unfortunately, the production we saw really missed the mark by all accounts (technically, directorally, and performance-​wise). I won’t ramble on into a theatre review of the show, but we were far less than thrilled and will have second thoughts about returning. Hopefully this was just a blip on the radar screen, as the valley could really use more quality theatres. But I will re-​state that the venue itself is pretty decent.

I inquired tickets to see the production Purlie from a silent auction sponsored by another theater. This was my first time at the Black Theatre Troupe. If you GPS the location, it sends you to 514 Roosevelt Street. If you are going for the first time please know that the exact location is 1333 E. Washington Street. There is limited parking in front of the building… maybe eight spaces, with a couple of them for the disabled. But keep going. There is a parking lot to the left of the building. Don’t pass the lot!!! The street is one-​way and you’ll catch hell (with the light rail, one-​way streets, traffic, stop lights, etc.) trying to circle back around.
I received my tickets at will-​call and waited for my party to join me. This establishment offers light snacks and beverages (non-​alcoholic) before the show and during intermission. The lay-​out of the facility is inviting; various colors throughout. The staff was friendly and very helpful. The thing that I didn’t like was that seating was first-​come, first serve. However, season ticket holders entered first, then general admission. People who are disabled need to get there early to insure they get a seat on the first two rows, as there are stairs to climb.
The production was great! I truly enjoyed it.