This is the Lunchbox Theatre’s main stage in Vertigo Theatre, Calgary. This particular stage design mimics Shakespeare’s staging of “the rounds” for their previous play, The Dark Lady. There is no front to the stage, and audience members can watch the show from any angle. (Kailie Stobbart, CMRU.ca)
Imagine enjoying a short, memorable, enjoyable, and affordable play during your lunch break. You can escape reality for a moment and take in the art of live performance. Over the years, the concept of a “Lunchbox Theatre” has become increasingly popular in the performance landscape. In Calgary, we have the privilege of having our very own lunchbox theater company, the Lunchbox Theatre.
Bronwyn Steinberg is the artistic director at Lunchbox Theatre, and directed the company’s recent play, The Dark Lady. Steinberg reflects about the organization and how it’s impacted both her and the Calgary community.
About the Lunchbox Theatre
The Lunchbox Theatre company is a non profit organization dedicated to sharing diverse stories at an affordable price for Calgarians during lunch hours. They provide accessible shows and are dedicated to ensure everyone has an enjoyable experience at the theatre. Sharing a variety of stories in the form of one act plays, Lunchbox Theatre is a hidden gem within Calgary.
Theatre impacts: from environment to inclusion
The Lunchbox Theatre makes many positive impacts within the Calgary community:
- Sharing inclusive and progressive stories
- Providing affordable ticket prices
- Maintaining an environmentally sustainable company
- Providing accessible shows for audiences
- Providing live performances for the community
- Producing engaging performances
Steinberg explains how the company’s lunchtime performances are major contributors to the community. She says “local art created in a community is really important to have people’s voices represented in the kinds of stories that are told and that they can see themselves represented on stage.”
The power of accessibility in theatre
Steinberg shares the importance of inclusivity and accessibility within the theatre. She explains how Lunchbox Theatre partners “with the Good Host program, which is through Inside Out Theater, and they help us out with helping us find ASL interpreters and audio describers.” Their shows are accessible to all audiences. From people hard of hearing, to people who need the scenes described to them, the Lunchbox Theatre prides itself on its accessibility.
Their shows also feature low sensory viewings, known as relaxed performances. Steinberg explains how they “make a few more adjustments to the show to make sure people are comfortable. We leave the audience lighting on a little bit so that if you have to leave during the show, you feel safe as you do so.”
A tribute to behind the scenes
Not only does the Lunchbox Theatre provide accessible shows, but they also employ some of the best cast and crew in Calgary. The Lunchbox Theatre is home to some amazing crew members who make the live shows possible. Kailie Stobbart took a step backstage to highlight the talented efforts of the crew for their production of The Dark Lady.
Where to watch a show
If you are interested in watching one of their plays, the Lunchbox Theatre performs at the Vertigo Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at the main ticket booth at the theatre, or purchased online.
Note from the author
Visiting the Lunchbox Theatre was an experience that I’ll never forget. Everyone from the cast, to the crew, to the administration department was happy and thrilled to be working with the organization. I know that highlighting their organization will do wonders for the Calgary community. Everyone deserves to see a live performance, and everyone deserves to have a positive time at the theatre. Steinberg’s interview educated me on the various adaptable measures with their performances like providing ASL interpreters, and conducting low sensory showings so the theatre can be enjoyed by everyone.
I believe that the art of theatre should be available to everyone, and the Lunchbox Theatre does just that. By sharing their story, my hope is that more people will go to their shows and help the company thrive in Calgary. This project will help boost their company and help them gain donations and ticket sales.
I learned so much from this experience with the lunchbox Theatre, including the importance of a theatre’s crew. I spoke to many members of the crew, watched how they used innovative techniques within the set design, how intricate the lighting cues were, and the importance of stage management during a performance. This experience allowed me to have a more profound understanding of the intense effort and dedication that is put into a show.
Working with the Lunchbox Theatre will resonate with me for years to come, and I cannot wait to see how their company grows and flourishes in the future.
–Kailie
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