Culture Spotlight: North Coast Repertory Theatre

North Coast Repertory Theatre

Posted on September 10, 2014

Nestled among the quaint seaside neighborhoods of Solana Beach resides North Coast Repertory Theatre, one of the premier theater companies in San Diego County. Founded by husband and wife team, Tom and Olive Blakistone over 30 years ago, this popular venue has long been a leading arts organization producing seven main stage plays and a special holiday show each year, and offering opportunities for local playwrights, actors, directors and designers. The works of North Coast Rep have gone on to win numerous Critics’ Pick designations and awards of excellence from the media, including KPBS, the Union-Tribune, and more.

For the generous time offered by the theater’s 200 plus volunteers every year, the company gives back to the community in the form of an open enrollment Theater School Education & Outreach program. Teachers at the school work closely with children and teens interested in making a career in the industry, providing workshops and specialized classes, and producing plays for the public starring the enthusiastic youngsters. Budding writers can submit plays for read-throughs, or even see their works performed live, as the company provides an open submissions call for scripts every year.

But perhaps the biggest selling point of North Coast Rep is the intimacy of the company’s venue. A consistently packed room of only 194 seats ensures that the energy of North Coast Repertory productions is high and every moment memorable. The seating was designed to provide each guest a clear line of sight to the stage, creating a closeness to the sets and actors that lets the audience feel like they are in another world.

Tickets are still available for this season’s shows, but be warned they do sell out fast. This year’s plays include among others Noël Coward’s witty work Fallen Angels, a comedy surrounding two bored British women, an smarmy Frenchman, clueless husbands, and one cheeky maid; the Off-Broadway hit, Freud’s Last Session; the musical spoof, Gunmetal Blues; and the classic Neil Simon play Chapter Two, which further chronicles the famous playwright’s amusing life. This year the company has chosen Steve Murray’s This Wonderful Life for its holiday performance. 858.481.1055, northcoastrep.org   Ryan Thomas