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Rural Theatre

Content in this section focuses on theatre created outside of urban and suburban centers. Here, artists discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of creating work in rural environments all over the world. The Rural Theatre series, focusing on artists and companies in the United States, is a great place to start.

The Latest

Video
in:vzbl Festival—A Festival Dedicated to Rural Communities
Performance Videos and Artist Talks from the 2025 Festival in Timișoara, Romania
Thursday 5 March to Tuesday 10 March 2026
Timișoara, Romania
Essay
In Rural Minnesota, This Resident Ensemble Model Thrives
by Robert Hubbard
1 October 2025
Essay
Reshaping a Rural College Theatre Program
by Jayme Kilburn
29 September 2025
Video
Friday 26 October and Friday 27 October 2012
KY, TN; United States

The Network of Ensemble Theater presented MicroFest Kentucky/Tennessee livestreamed on the global, commons-based peer-produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv on Friday 26 October and Friday 27 October 2012.

Several people walking towards a colorful tent.
Essay

The Rural Arts and Culture Working Group

6 October 2012

In the belief that rural artists need to be represented, Double Edged Theatre Company headed a conversation with fellow rural artists about action steps for the communities to take.

Image of Patrick Overton.
Essay
4 October 2012

Patrick Overton on the history of cultural development in Rural/Small communites across the United States, and the nessisety of that development to the health of the community.

A stage set as an early American settlement.
Essay
3 October 2012

Scott Walters discusses the necessity of creating independant and interdisciplinary Rural Arts programs.

Green grapes.
Essay

Farming as Artistic Practice

3 October 2012

Nikiko Masumoto blurs the line between farming and performance, and what that can mean for communication between farmers and consumers.

Two giant shoes with people gathered around.
Essay
2 October 2012

Donna Neuwirth describes the integration of culture and agriculture at the Wormfarm Institute in Wisconsin.

Two men on a stage look at two people sitting in chairs in front of them.
Essay
1 October 2012

Dudley Cocke, the director of Roadside Theater, on Rural Theater, its specific gifts, and the necessity of its inclusion in American Theater.

 

Video
Sunday, 12 August 2012
Ashfield, MA, United States

Double Edge Theatre in Ashfield, Massachusetts, presented a conversation on The State of the Rural Arts: Crisis, Change, and Opportunity livestreamed on the global, commons-based peer-produced HowlRound TV network at howlround.tv on Sunday 12 August 2012 at 8 a.m. Pacific / 9 a.m. Mountain / 10 a.m. Central / 11 a.m. Eastern.

invisible festival event teaser
Video

Performance Videos and Artist Talks from the 2025 Festival in Timișoara, Romania

Thursday 5 March to Tuesday 10 March 2026
Timișoara, Romania

A limited online screening of six performance videos and artist talks from the 2025 in:vzbl Festival hosted in Timișoara, Romania. The festival is dedicated to rural communities, presenting shows from Romania, Hungary, Serbia, and Poland. 

Series

Rural Theatre

A series featuring voices from the United States' rural arts communities.

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