About New Orleans
New Orleans is an incredibly vibrant and diverse city located in southeastern Louisiana. It is known for being one of the most unique cities in America, with a culture that mixes West African, French, Spanish, and American influences. The city has a long and rich history, founded by the French in 1718 and becoming part of the United States following the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.
Theaters have always been an important part of New Orleans culture. In its heyday, it had over 30 theaters — some hosting Broadway-style shows, others vaudeville acts or burlesque performances. Today, several performance venues throughout the city still host live music acts and theatrical performances.
One interesting fact about New Orleans is that it houses the oldest Opera House in North America. Built in 1796, it has hosted countless operas since then and was even visited by President Abraham Lincoln during his tenure as president.
Theater Options in New Orleans
- Lighting
New Orleans offers many different theatre lighting options for events, such as mobile and stage lighting. These can create different moods and atmospheres for performance and create special effects and transition sequences. Mobile lighting is perfect for providing a personal touch to your event, whereas stage lighting is more suitable for larger venues.
- Audio Equipment
Audio equipment plays a vital role in any theatre space, allowing the performers to be heard. Many different audio equipment options are available in New Orleans; PA systems, portable speakers, microphones, amplifiers, recording devices, and more can all be used to ensure guests can hear the show. It is important to ensure the sound quality is good so it doesn’t detract from the performance.
- Bartenders
Professional bartending services at your theatre space can create an unforgettable experience for your guests. Bartenders specializing in serving alcoholic drinks can provide signature cocktails or other beverages of choice during intermission or before the show starts. They can also monitor drink consumption and know when to switch out empty bottles with fresh ones.
- Costumes Rental
Costume rental services are perfect if you require a variety of looks throughout the production. Renting costumes could save you money if you don't have an extensive wardrobe budget — while still having access to a wide variety of garments, from historical period pieces to extravagant fantasy pieces! Most costume rental services have experienced customers who will help find exactly what your performers need with ease.
Theater Space Vendors in New Orleans
- Southern Costume Company
In 2011, Southern Costume Company was established to bring a touch of Hollywood to Crescent City. Located in downtown New Orleans near the CBD, this impressive facility has everything from skilled wardrobe managers and top-of-the-line rental costumes to a fully stocked inventory, providing customers with an unmatched level of service and access to some of the finest costumes available in The South.
- Khancept Entertainment
KhanCept Entertainment offers experienced DJs and MCs who can provide exceptional services for events of all sizes, from intimate gatherings to large corporate functions. Their premium sound systems and lighting services are affordable and designed to create the perfect atmosphere for any occasion. While based in New Orleans, they are available for bookings nationwide. KhanCept specializes in Indian and Pakistani events and stays updated on the latest trends in the industry.
- Toulouse Gourmet
Toulouse Gourmet is committed to providing exceptional food and service for any event. They take pride in their culinary excellence and offer handcrafted dishes made with only the finest ingredients for gatherings of all sizes. Their menu combines traditional local favorites and gourmet specialties prepared by experienced chefs. They cater to various events, including weddings, birthdays, and corporate gatherings. In addition, they are the official in-house caterers for The Cannery, Mid-City's newest event venue.
Pros and Cons of Theater Spaces in New Orleans
Theater spaces in New Orleans offer a wide range of entertainment experiences for people from all walks of life. From modern independent theater productions to classic Broadway musicals, there is something for everyone in the city’s theaters. While the presence of these venues can be a plus, they also come with pros and cons.
Advantages
- Professional atmosphere: Renting a theater space provides a professional atmosphere that can add legitimacy to your production. The theater has proper lighting, sound systems, and seating arrangements that enhance the audience's experience.
- Audience capacity: Most theater spaces in New Orleans are designed to accommodate large crowds so that you can expect a high turnout for your production. This can generate buzz around your event and increase ticket sales.
- Technical support: Many theater spaces, including sound and lighting engineers, offer technical support to help ensure your production runs smoothly. This can be especially helpful if you're new to producing a theatrical production.
Disadvantages
- Cost: Renting a theater space can be expensive, especially if you require additional services like technical support or extra rehearsal time. This can eat into your budget and limit the funds available for other aspects of your production.
- Limited availability: Theaters in New Orleans can be in high demand, so securing a rental space for your desired dates may be difficult. This can create scheduling conflicts that can disrupt your production timeline.
- Limited control over the venue: When renting a theater space, you may have limited control over certain aspects of the venue, such as decor or lighting. This can make it challenging to create a specific ambiance or aesthetic that aligns with your vision for the production.
Tips on How to Organize Theater Spaces in New Orleans
In New Orleans, the theater is vital to the city’s culture and has been home to some of the world’s greatest performers. The architecture and design of these theater spaces provide an important sense of place and atmosphere, allowing many to find solace in their creativity. But with so many different kinds of performances across multiple locations, it can be difficult to organize theater spaces in New Orleans. Here are some tips on how to make sure your theater space is up to par for any performance:
- Create a seating plan ahead of time: Knowing where each person or group should sit during a performance is essential for an organized theater experience. By mapping out seating arrangements before the performance begins, you can ensure that all guests have enough space and are comfortable throughout the production. This will also allow you to make necessary changes in real-time.
- Keep track of props and costumes: Assembling props can be one of the most labor-intensive tasks when setting up production. To save time and effort, take inventory ahead so that everything is accounted for when necessary. Additionally, consider labeling costumes for easier identification during performances and any fittings or alterations needed beforehand so that everyone knows what they need before opening night.
- Set up sound equipment: Consider investing in professional-grade amplifiers, microphones, and speakers specifically designed with theatrical acoustics in mind so that your production sounds its best every night.
- Utilize lighting effects: Lighting effects are essential for creating moods within a play or musical number and can greatly enhance your audience's overall experience. At the same time, they watch the show unfold onstage. Installing theatrical lights such as spotlights or color-changing LED units allows you to create dynamic atmospheres which engage viewers at different levels throughout each act or scene change within your production.
- Double-check safety regulations: Before beginning rehearsals or public performances within your theater space, double-check local code requirements regarding fire safety measures, emergency exits from local authorities, and industry standards established by organizations like OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration). This will ensure that everyone involved in your production remains safe from potential hazards arising unexpectedly during rehearsals or shows without proper precautions.
Famous Locations in New Orleans
- F. Scott Fitzgerald's Boarding House
Scott Fitzgerald is known as one of the most important writers of the 20th century thanks largely to his masterpiece novel The Great Gatsby. However, before the success of this iconic book, Fitzgerald wrote two less popular works, the first being This Side of Paradise. It is said that Fitzgerald worked on editing this book entirely inside a fairly budget-friendly boarding house in New Orleans. As it turns out, you don't need to enter the place to gain insight into where it all began for Fitzgerald — that's because it's still standing today and located just outside Lafayette Cemetery 1, meaning fans can easily line up and spot the window at which he worked from back in 1920. Visiting this spot could be considered a pilgrimage for true admirers of his work and a must-see while exploring New Orleans.
- Museum of the American Cocktail
Visiting the Museum of the American Cocktail is like traveling back in time and stepping into the history of cocktails, alcohol, and more. Situated at the Southern Food and Beverage Museum in the French Quarter Algiers, this unique museum — which was once a traveling exhibit — holds exhibits chronicling bartender tools and mixology recipes worldwide. Not only will guests learn about local favorites, but they will also gain knowledge of arguments for and against prohibition. You might explore collections of vintage barware or join a workshop to show off some mad drink-mixing prowess! This historical New Orleans attraction offers an immersive experience that shouldn't be missed.
- Metairie Cemetery
Metairie Cemetery is a unique attraction in New Orleans, offering awe-inspiring works of art in a tranquil and charming atmosphere. Located in what was once a race course, the cemetery has been around since 1872 — it stands as a testament to its rich history. It is full of fascinating sights and beautiful memorials that pay tribute to the deceased, including the Moriarty Tomb, which sprawls 18 meters long, detailed with carvings and monuments. The Beauregard Landon mausoleum boasts intricate stained glass artworks reminiscent of Moorish architecture. The Brunswig mausoleum stands out with its impressive pyramids and sphinxes on the outside — this grand tomb is one of Metairie's main attractions. When visiting Metairie Cemetery, respect should be paid to the dead whose final resting place this is; however, those who visit will leave feeling enriched by its charm that radiates throughout its grounds.