Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance — Attraction in Winston-Salem

Theatre Alliance is a business that knows its lane. It has a consistent product that people like. It has large casts that will bring their large families and friends. It's a community theatre that does what community theatres do best and it has a loyal following.

More often, the sets are beautiful, the drinks are strong and the sense of community is stronger. It has a good thing going. Whoever runs the business end has got a good plan. If you are a casual theatre goer you will probably love this place. They have a un naturally huge season each year. So there is always something new to watch.

I've lived in the Triad since 2020. In that time, I've been to about 80-90 shows. 8-9 of those shows were at Theatre Alliance. I want to like this theatre. It's a great space. It clearly has a working business model. The volunteers and staff are nice and helpful. But when friends invite me to a TA show I groan a little. That goes for everything I've seen with the exception of "Once on This Island."-That was great.

To be fair, the problem does not lie with the actors or the set design or the costuming. It lies squarely with the direction. Somehow, every single show has the exact same stamp on it. There is no sense of scene work, in depth character development, attention to detail or directorial vision. It just seems like the actors got together and directed by comittee. For some theatre patrons that is perfectly fine and they might not even see the difference. But if you are looking for well thought out work, with a commitment to the art and craft of acting and directing, then TA has a lot of work to do.

During the curtain speech, The Executive Director tells the audience "If you didn't like the show, hush up." I can't do that. TA often lauds itself as the best theatre in the area. While it does have wonderful resources, a wide talent pool and a great business plan, it is missing a key ingredient. It could be the greatest theatre in the area. But it needs help with direction and artistic vision. The shows just feel like they are thrown together like an...

We enjoyed seeing Willy Wonky at WSTA this last weekend.

I was shocked to learn about the volume of shows produced by this community theatre and to learn that they have (3!) performance venues at this space !!

Willy Wonka was held on their main stage. We look forward to experiencing their black box and outdoor spaces as well.

The main stage offers intimate seating, which makes any seat in the house feel like an awesome choice. Staff was friendly. Performers were enthusiastic. Restrooms were clean.

For this particular performance, there were quite a few kids and families in the audience. I mention this because it creates a more homey, laid-back experience -- especially as several younger audience members needed to frequent the lobby mid-performance. While no one was loud or intrusive, given intimaty of space, it was easily noticable when folks stepped out and returned back to their seats.

Overall, nice experience.

Its lovely seeing so many people in the community getting involved in an activity that brought everyone...

I was looking for something new to do on date night with my husband. We went Saturday November 16 to the million dollar quartet, Christmas edition. I recommend if you go to this specific show you sit on the left side of the audience infront to where the piano is. The actor and musician was amazing on the piano.

I have lived in Winston-Salem all my life and I never knew of this theater. The crowd was composed of an older audience with a few 20 somethings sprinkled around. They have a bar and on this specific day, They had a Christmas drink called. Go Rudolph go, which I thought to be adorable and witty.

If you’re looking for something new to do for date night other than dinner, I highly recommend...