I've Known Amphitheatres: My Soul has Grown Overexposed Like an Outdoor Amphitheatre

Subject: Outdoor amphitheatres
Date: Friday, January 09, 2004 6:24 PM

Hello N,

I participate in the arts through the Scarab Club. When I consulted at a client in Southfield, I yearly attended the Farmington - Farmington Hills arts showcase at the Costick Center. And I've often gone to your Festival of the Arts in downtown Farmington. Thus, I was motivated to help you out.

I'm glad you are planning an outdoor amphitheatres. I know a troupe of actors who wanted to stage a Shakespeare festival behind the Longacre house, but the pavilion in the pines wasn't suitable.

I think the best outdoor amphitheatre I've seen is the stage for the Illinois Shakespeare Festival in Normal, Illinois. The web page picture doesn't do it justice. Seeing it for yourself is well worth the trip to the middle of Illinois.

There is an old amphitheatre at Cranbrook behind the St. Dunstan's Playhouse. It's great to visit in the spring when the reflecting pool is filled again. Each year, St. Dunstan's Theatre Guild produces their final play of the season outdoors. Here's a few shots from a past production of Evita.

There's something about being outdoors that makes an amphitheatre tricky to pull off. I've seen a few that haven't been perfect. The one is Shiawassee County is situated on the shores of the Shiawassee River, and it is located in the historical district that includes Curwood Castle. Yet, it doesn't seem inviting. Here’s some pictures of it in use. And a few more for your review.

People complain about the new ampitheatre in Knoxville Tennessee's Market Square. It replaces a covered stage, shown here. The new Market Square stage is dominating of the square, and it provides no shelter from rain or sunshine for performers.