Blowing Rock Theater History

Welcome to the vintage video of the company that Actors' Equity Association called "The Little Theatre That Did..." You bet they did ... as pioneers under conditions improbable.

Rare scenes of the Golden Age of the History of Blowing Rock Theatre, 1986 to 1997: First Decade. Read the narrative essays on each video for the true theatre history and context; a journalistic editorial record with documentary footage for educational purposes, dedicated with love and affection for the over 500 artists and 100,000 patrons of the first decade who built the strong foundation that made this theater possible. There were many brilliant moments, impossible to capture on old video - but only one beginning, shared.

Mark Wilson is the Founder, original Producing Director, and master craftsman of the groundwork vision for this North Carolina professional theater, created in Spring of 1986 and continuing through Season Twelve. He produced 56 different plays and musicals, and for 8 of those 12 years, he worked 9 months of each year without paid assistance. Hard to comprehend... and yet his children made it to the promised land.

"Then they said, 'Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves.'"
(Genesis 11:4)
...uh-oh.

The Fall of 2009: Aged 24 seasons, housed since 2006 and crushed under the debt of a building they never owned in reality - the permanent $10m palace (Hayes Center) inspired by BRSC's extraordinary success - the second 12 chapters concluded under the care of protégés of Wilson's visionary friend and colleague, the late legend of Flat Rock Playhouse, Robin Farquhar. Mark is grateful also to all the caregivers, warriors and pyramid builders since 2000 who made true American theater history and completed the 24 years.

"Many of the dilettantes, vipers, morons and mavens that you had to contend with are still here. And their ranks keep growing."
- Ken K., Producer

The Blowing Rock Stage Company is sealed permanently in history as the regional standard of professional excellence and the seminal inspiration for Blowing Rock NC's lavish performing arts center. The Stage Company was the 2008 recipient of the George A. Parides Professional Theatre Award - appropriately, as George was a principal mentor of the company from its inception in 1986. Well done!

"Mark, with whom I've had the pleasure of working daily...You've done an amazing job and this community is the richer for what you have mainly been responsible for creating and establishing. Few of us know firsthand what you have sacrificed to make the magic of theatre a reality in Blowing Rock, and all I can say is thank you from the bottom of my heart."
- J. Burns, March 1996

"I know many, many people, and I am one of them, who will always greatly miss you and theatrical producers like you, who took the trouble and time and spared no expense or trouble and gave of yourself to strive for a kind of perfection. It is a different age now. That is all gone. We march forward, hoping that the future is half as good as the past that you made for us."
- M. Craver, Musician/Playwright

"Freaking hilarious - watched Blane Dubois - great stuff. ...what a blast from the past - Woodstock got nothing on us!"
- K. Ketchie, Publisher - High Country Press, 2009

"Genius is hardly ever easy to live with but you are remembered well for many acts of kindness, productions of excellence, and being used in a great way to encourage others to examine their priorities and help them find a way to joy and safety. The opportunity for my daughter and I to work together was a milestone in my life."
- E. Pilkington, Actor/Director/Teacher

"A reality check: The Blowing Rock Stage Company has been a part of the summer scene here long enough that it's easy to forget how truly extraordinary and wonderful it is. Remember, this is a theatre in a town with about 1,000 people that's located 50 miles from an interstate. This is a theatre that presents world premieres of shows headed for the Broadway stage and regularly presents New York and other original cast members in its productions. From day one in 1986, the Stage Company has consistently expanded the boundaries of what it is possible to do in this region. Artistic courage is what The Stage Company is all about. As the Stage Company turns "10", there's one thing that we as a region, can't do: take it for granted."
- J. Thompson, Managing Editor
The Mountain Times, Aug 11, 1994

Not implied to be affiliated with or endorsed by any existing organization.

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