The mission of the Alley Theater is to produce progressive theater and to provide an affordable venue for both traditional and experimental artists. The Alley Theater strives to include the entire community in its audiences and on its stage.
The Alley Theater was formed in 1993 for the purpose of fostering original alternative performance works in the Louisville area and to offer local productions of progressive, previously established theatrical productions.
The Alley resided in the Highlands area of Louisville and served that community for under 4 years. In December of 2007, The Alley Theater returned to Louisville in a new facility located within the City Block Entertainment complex. During that year The Alley Theater ran productions throughout 2008, to determine if an alternative theatrical cabaret would be viable in the Louisville area. The Alley saw its audience base grow exponentially in 2008 and determined that investing in a full-time performance and visual arts complex was the next step in its growth.
Sixteen years after The Alley Theater first debuted in the Highlands, the organization is proud to bring the community a new multi-functional performance venue.
Message from Scott Davis, Producing Director
In the late 90’s, just before closing the original Alley Theater, I was fortunate enough to be invited to sit in on a workshop held by former producing director for Actor’s Theatre, Jon Jory. I sat down in this room full of ATL veterans and alumni, the only outsider in the bunch and proceeded to listen, take notes and prepare to be amazed. After all, even though I’d publicly sworn off joining the mainstream and slandered ATL on “Louisville Tonight,” Jon was one of my idols.
He went on and on about his creative and directorial process, only occasionally being goaded into talking about his career as Artistic Director – which was, of course, why we were all there. One of the things he spoke of, which to this day sticks out in my mind more than any other, was the importance of knowing why we do what we do. When I was younger many of the plays I produced were “angry” because I wanted to make a “difference.” Whatever that means. Then there was a lot of political theater and performance art.
Again, because I wanted to make a difference. But what it came down to was that was just my ego and my youth. As I became older, and hopefully more mature, it became clear to me that too many people are simply unhappy. And, if I can help provide momentary escapism that makes them laugh, enjoy their evening, and gives them something to talk about, then I have made a difference. I don’t have to change your mind. I don’t have to change the world. I’ve been fortunate enough to open and run several theaters around the country, but when the chance came to do this again here in Louisville, I couldn’t pass it up.
Thank you for letting The Alley Theater back into your lives and for supporting the progressive projects produced by The Alley Theater.
Art Sanctuary and the Alley Theater
The partnership between Art Sanctuary and Alley Theater became formal upon the leasing of space for productions and art events at the Pointe, a new facility in Butchertown. After two successful years together, each organization will set off anew as separate entities during the summer of 2011. We are proud of what we accomplished together and are looking forward to bright futures!
The Pointe
The Pointe is an adaptive reuse of a historic industrial warehouse converted to a modern 90,000 square foot building.
It incorporates green elements with individual spaces ranging from 900 to 10,000 square feet. A Historically Certified Redevelopment Project originally built almost a century ago, The Pointe offers a mix of the authentic styling which includes a contemporary, modern interior characterized by 18-foot high skylights, exposed brick walls and timber posts, large windows, and beautifully-finished hardwood floors.
Alley Theater for Young Audiences
Alley Theater for Young AudiencesThe Alley Theater for Young Audiences is committed to providing a safe, age appropriate environment where expression and creativity are fostered and encouraged. Care is taken to select plays and events that enlighten, educate and entertain.
In August, 2010, The Alley Theater launched its Theater for Young Audiences program, headed by Dana Hope as its Artistic Director, with a well attended and received production of Furry Tails with a Twist by Jennifer Hickok DeFratis, a play for little ones. For more information about Alley’s Theater for Young Audiences program, please visit www.alleytya.org.
The Alley Theater is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
We Are Proud Members Of:
Alley Theater Federal ID#: 26-1934116
