Every day we watch television. We watch movies. But where did all those performers come from? Many came from the local performing arts programs that are in communities like our own. Today's future stars are often in the ranks of your local performing arts ensemble. What happens on stage is true theater. It is an experience shared among the performers and their audience, much like a book is an experience shared between the book author and a reader. Ballet companies, opera companies, and symphonic orchestras make up three local performing arts groups. Often they are linked together, utilizing the expertise of the orchestra with the ballet or opera performance. In addition, opera companies often enlist ballet companies to provide the dances often found in traditional operas. Local performing arts programs come in all shapes and sizes. Large traditional theaters bring in traveling theatrical shows, musical acts, operas, ballets and symphony orchestras. Smaller theaters offer local actors performing in a wide variety of plays and musicals. A look at each one's website can give you an idea of prices, shows and other considerations. Smaller theaters generally host what they call a 'season'. Season tickets, often spanning a year's time, are the cheapest way to attend the theater's entire run of plays and musicals. Likewise, symphonic orchestras, ballet companies and opera companies often offer this multi-ticket discount as well. Check with box offices and administrative offices to find out the best deal possible. Check the entertainment guides for your area to find out what is being offered and to plan for future performances as well.
