Houston Performing Arts Scene

Performing arts are a neighborhood affair 

I always get asked what performances I should go see in Houston. What's out there? Sometimes, it's even more focused, such as, what opera would I like? My friend, answering that question would require a complete psychological analysis, but I digress. 

My response is, what part of town do you live in? 

Often, we forget that in a city like Houston, with a geographical size of 639 miles (roughly the size of the entire island of Oahu), there's bound to be something within a few miles of where you live. 

But don't I need to make this a big to-do? Like dig out the suit or tux, drive 1 hour each way, pay $30 for parking, go into a space where I can't really relax, and pay hundreds of dollars for tickets in the orchestra level, but at least I'm here, and I'm close-ish to the stage, and I'm doing it! 

While there's merit in all of that, you're not likely to make a habit of it. It's not expected to become a part of your life that you enjoy and return to when it's not convenient, nor does it fit your style and what appeals to you. 

Proximity is Principal

If we make attending the local arts a greater priority in society, it's likely because we made arts opportunities available closer to you. Now, in very rural areas, this may be hard, and I'm not going to deny that the image of the old town theater they're trying to save in the Hallmark movie definitely tugs at my heartstrings!

But look at your neighborhood. Is it Katy, Sugar Land, Galveston, Cypress, or one of many others that make up Houston? Did you know many local colleges have fabulous and incredibly high-quality performances through their theater, dance, and music programs? Did you know there are great arts organizations and venues in or near all the neighborhoods I just listed? Start with something close and easy to get to. 

Are you a go-out-before-the-show kind of person? 

Dinner and a movie. Goes together like peanut butter and jelly, cookies and cream, or Houston summer and hellish humidity. Really think about it, you have to eat. But wait, I already spent hundreds of dollars on tickets to the show! Not when you think local. An analysis of the 30 arts groups that are part of Houston Arts Pass shows that the average ticket price is $45.

Join Houston Arts Pass, and you can get discounts on all those places, which means some serious savings! The point here is that while I'm all about not overcomplicating your arts experience, it's worth exploring what's in the area and seeing if you can support a local restaurant simultaneously.

Are you up for weekday entertainment? 

We have 52 weeks in a year, and of those 52 weeks per year, 12 - 16 of them are summer, which means travel, oppressive heat (sorry, still dealing with the trauma of our hottest summer on record), and generally speaking, summer schedules just seem to throw things off! So, when you really get down to it, your weekends from October - May are coveted! I'm talking about the crowned jewels of England that you must protect with your life, and you better optimize those 48 hours between Friday - and Sunday to either nap like there's no tomorrow, bring your kids to the latest and most exciting museum exhibit, or spend hours on a patio -hello mimosas!

I get it; weekends are essential, and adding another thing to the list is often the last thing people want. But here's a secret - tons of things are happening during the week, predominantly on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Most performances start as early as 7 p.m. You'll be home by 10 or much earlier. Stop and think; you are binging Netflix until 10 p.m. every weeknight anyway. Consider changing it up. You won't regret it! 

I'll leave you with some thoughts...

Attending local arts performances by your homegrown companies does not have to be a big to-do. In fact, make it a part of your routine. Decide to go to something new to you once a month. Replace your night at home with something you are discovering for the first time. I promise your life will be enriched tenfold. 

Now, I'll tell you what is a big to-do: actually attending, being present at, and supporting local arts groups is something to take seriously, and here's why. Think of your local businesses that you love. The bakery with the best donuts, the boutique with your exact style, and the local wine or liquor store where the owner always seems to hit the mark on their selections for you. Like these, our local arts company needs to build new audiences to be around for years and years to come. I would treat your neighborhood arts company the same way. They will welcome your presence, and you are more critical to them than you'll ever know. You are part of the solution to building our local arts community.