Can’t afford the theatre prices on Broadway, Boston or Providence?

Attend a college theatre production.

You’ll discover great talent both on stage and behind the scenes.

Brown Theatre offers some of the best in the country. I remember seeing Laura Linney as a student actor and writing that she was a “up and coming star.”

Ron McClarty went from student actor at Rhode Island College to TV fame and fortune.

The list goes on. CCRI, PC, and URI offer classes and degrees in theatre and the performing arts, and many students have gone on to find careers in New York City, Hollywood and beyond.

Josh Kohler at UMass-Boston

Cranstonian Josh Kohler graduated from Clark University and went on to work in the production area of the performing arts in New York City.

Josh is now the Production Manager in the theatre Department at UMass Boston, the beautiful campus along the Charles River next to the Kennedy Library.

A group of his accompanied his mother Pat to see a production of D.W. Gregory’s “Radium Girls” at their black box theatre.

The college, made up mostly of commuter students, offers degrees in theatre, music and the performing arts, with a minor in dance. Kohler also teaches there.

The production was first class, with a few of the actors taking dual roles, and many students involved in the design team.

UMass-Boston, like many Rhode Island colleges and universities, offers numerous opportunities for students to hone their talents and prepare for a life in the theatre. Many others  enjoy the opportunity to be involved and continue in community theatre after graduate.

And the price is right. For less than the cost of a movie, audiences can see a variety of plays and musicals.

Check it out.