Click to share thisClick to share thisVigilante Theatre Company continues legacy of rural touring theatre
Since at least the 1940s, rural communities in Montana and neighboring western states have benefited from the creativity and dedication of small touring theatre groups who brought live performances to places that often had no other exposure to live theatre.
The Bozeman-based Vigilante Theatre Company is one group continuing this tradition. They perform original works by regional playwrights, traveling to small towns throughout Montana, Wyoming, the Dakotas, and Idaho, and as far as Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Nevada.
“Many of the small local arts councils that used to host us are struggling. Some have folded and the rest are short on funds,” said John Hosking, Cofounder of the theatre group.
Through interviewing contacts at their previous performance venues, Hosking and his board members discovered that people missed their regular appearances, but they simply couldn’t afford to bring the group in. “But during hard times, that’s when people really appreciate the arts,” Hosking said.
After recent shows, audience members have told VTC Co-founder Rhonda Smith how great it was just to laugh at something. “Everyone needs a little comic relief in their lives right now,” Smith said. “It’s also the value of coming together as a community. Touring theatre performances have always helped make that happen.”
Now, with help from a $5,000 grant from the Phyllis and Dennis Washington Foundation, the VTC will offset performance costs for the small communities, which otherwise would be unable to afford live theatre. The company is reviewing requests from arts councils and other non-profit organizations interested in partnering to support theatre in rural, remote or otherwise underserved areas. The group welcomes sponsorship from local and regional businesses to help make the performances possible.
The Vigilante Theatre Company, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has been performing original theatrical works throughout Montana and neighboring states since 1981. Its mission is to stimulate and promote interest in theatre, to educate both adults and children in the dramatic arts, to advance the culture of the West in drama, and to bring theatre to areas of the West which lack adequate opportunities to enjoy live performances.
