Summer stock theatre

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Summer Stock is also the title of a 1950 musical motion picture starring Judy Garland.

A summer stock theatre is a theater that generally produces plays only in the summertime. The name combines the seasonal aspect with a tradition of putting on the same shows each year and reusing "stock" scenery and costumes. Some smaller theaters still continue this tradition, and a few summer stock theaters have become highly regarded theatre festivals. Equity status and pay for actors in these theaters varies greatly, sometimes resulting in sub-minimum wage pay for acting "interns." Often viewed as a starting point for professional actors, stock casts are typically young; just out of high school or still in college.

Summer stock theatres frequently take advantage of better weather by having their productions outdoors. The reliance on stock often leads summer theaters to specialize in a particular type of production, such as Shakespeare plays, musicals, or even opera. Some notable summer theaters include: Utah Shakespearean Festival, Santa Fe Opera, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Berkshire Theatre Festival, Calgary & Toronto Summerstock Theatre Festival, Glimmerglass Opera, and Vancouver's Bard on the Beach.

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