Barrow Group Theater Company

Barrow Group Theater Company is a renowned Off-Broadway theater company based in New York City, known for its innovative productions and commitment to theatre education. Founded by Lee Brock and Aaron Gaines, the company has been a staple of the New York City theater scene, producing works by notable playwrights such as Sam Shepard, Tennessee Williams, and Arthur Miller. The company has also collaborated with esteemed directors like Mike Nichols and Harold Clurman, and has been recognized for its contributions to the American theatre scene, alongside institutions like the Public Theater and the Roundabout Theatre Company.

● History

The company was established in 1986 by Lee Brock and Aaron Gaines, with the goal of creating a unique and intimate theater experience. Over the years, the company has produced numerous plays, including works by Eugene O'Neill, Lillian Hellman, and Edward Albee. The company's early productions were often staged at the Lion Theatre on Theatre Row, and later at the Barrow Street Theatre, which became its permanent home. The company has also been influenced by the works of Bertolt Brecht, Konstantin Stanislavski, and Vsevolod Meyerhold, and has been compared to other notable theater companies like the Steppenwolf Theatre Company and the Actors Theatre of Louisville.

● Productions

The company has produced a wide range of plays, from classic works like Shakespeare's Hamlet and Macbeth, to contemporary pieces by playwrights like David Mamet, Lanford Wilson, and John Guare. Some notable productions include The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee, and Buried Child by Sam Shepard. The company has also produced works by emerging playwrights, such as Annie Baker and Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, and has collaborated with other theater companies like the Atlantic Theater Company and the Manhattan Theatre Club. The company's productions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Obie Award, the Drama Desk Award, and the Lucille Lortel Award, and have been praised by critics like Ben Brantley of the The New York Times and Terry Teachout of the Wall Street Journal.

● Education

The company is committed to providing high-quality theater education to students of all ages and skill levels. The company offers a range of classes and workshops, taught by experienced instructors like Uta Hagen and Stella Adler, and has partnered with institutions like the Juilliard School and the Tisch School of the Arts to provide students with a comprehensive theater education. The company's education program has been recognized for its excellence, and has been praised by educators like Anna Deavere Smith and Oskar Eustis. The company has also been influenced by the works of Viola Spolin and Keith Johnstone, and has incorporated their techniques into its education program.

● Notable Alumni

The company has a long history of nurturing talented actors, directors, and playwrights, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in the entertainment industry. Notable alumni include Philip Seymour Hoffman, John Slattery, and Christine Baranski, who have all worked with the company on various productions. Other notable alumni include David Strathairn, Mary-Louise Parker, and Richard Kind, who have all gone on to work with companies like the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. The company's alumni have also been recognized with numerous awards, including the Tony Award, the Emmy Award, and the Academy Award, and have been praised by critics like Charles Isherwood of the The New York Times and Linda Winer of Newsday.

● Artistic Leadership

The company is led by Lee Brock and Aaron Gaines, who serve as co-artistic directors. The company's leadership team also includes Seth Barrish, who serves as the company's executive director, and Terry Schreiber, who serves as the company's associate artistic director. The company has also been influenced by the leadership of other notable theater companies, like the Guthrie Theater and the Seattle Repertory Theatre, and has collaborated with esteemed directors like Robert Falls and Des McAnuff. The company's artistic leadership has been recognized for its excellence, and has been praised by critics like Peter Marks of the Washington Post and Charles McNulty of the Los Angeles Times.