DG National Report: Houston by William Duell
@dramatistsguild
If you’ve attended performances at the Alley Theatre in Houston, you’ve likely seen David Rainey in the cast. David’s work as an Alley resident company member for the past fourteen years is worthy of an article in itself – the Alley ensemble is a legend in the theatre world – but my report focuses on David’s work as the artistic director of another theatre here in Houston, The Landing Theatre Company, a relatively new and already vibrant force in town. Last week, I sat down to talk with David, and our wide-ranging conversation touched upon The Landing’s New American Voices Play Reading Series, its production of Fengar Gael’s Devil Dog Six, which David directed, the Houston theatre scene, possible sites for a new theatre, and financing strategies, among other topics. What follows are David’s remarks about The Landing’s history and mission.
Will Duell: How did you start The Landing?
David Rainey: I was teaching at the University of Houston-Downtown and asked if they used the theatre in the summer. The answer was no, but that I could use it if I took charge of it. I considered creating a college summer stock, but developing a professional company seemed the better choice for Houston and the students.
WD: Has your emphasis shifted?
DR: Yes, we’ve become independent from the university, expanded our season, and through our internship program still act as a bridge to the profession. However we are now more focused on exploring and advancing American theatre than on being a professional resource for education. And in addition to our interest in many established American plays we have a true interest in finding and developing new works. It’s a goal mainly facilitated by our annual New American Voices Play Reading Series, which has led us to a number of exciting plays that we have produced.
WD: How do you build an audience base for plays by relatively unknown playwrights?
DR: Well, it’s difficult. Houston audiences are a tough nut to crack. We’ve tried ads and social media, but social media doesn’t really work, and even paid ads don’t always generate audience interest. We’ve had more success on radio, and discussing upcoming plays on local PBS programs.
Another factor is educating people on what’s out there. A few weeks ago, I was invited to speak to a large group of seniors about The Landing. They only knew of companies like the Alley and Theatre Under the Stars, and that was it! These are people with the interest and means to support Houston theatres. When I told them there were over 70 theatre companies in Houston – they were shocked. And it’s people of all ages living in places like Katy (a city 30 miles west of Houston), who don’t know where to access information about the small companies here. So we are building our audiences every way we can, and are continually taking chances on new plays. Because the reality is that the large regional theatres simply cannot produce all the amazing work by American writers who deserve productions. There just isn’t room. So it is important that smaller companies like The Landing Theatre Company exist. I believe that all small companies should put at least some resources towards supporting playwrights. Smaller companies can do it because our audiences are generally less confined and often more adventurous. And while The Landing Theatre Company is not exclusively about new works, we recognize that investing in the voices of our time is critical to the future of the American Theatre.
Please check out The Landing at www.landingtheatre.org.
