Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Memphis Theater Destination Since 1969
Playhouse on the Square has been Memphis' leading professional theatre company for over five decades, dedicated to enriching lives through challenging and diverse theatrical productions. Founded in 1969, we provide a nurturing artistic home for creatives while making theatre accessible to all community members regardless of financial circumstances. Our mission emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, reflected in our casting, creative teams, and partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Latinx-majority universities. We produce 14-18 mainstage shows annually across three stages, complemented by educational outreach programs serving 30,000 individuals yearly. Our commitment to accessibility includes ASL interpretation, audio narration, and discounted ticket programs ensuring theatre remains inclusive. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we rely on community support to sustain our artistic excellence and educational initiatives.Our 56th season continues this tradition with innovative productions like Parade and Waitress, alongside youth education programs and touring performances. We maintain rigorous safety standards for events in our historic Overton Square venue, offering flexible rental spaces for weddings and corporate functions. Our team of seasoned professionals includes award-winning producers, directors, and educators recognized at the Ostrander Awards and beyond. Through initiatives like NewWorks@TheWorks, we champion emerging playwrights with national collaborations and staged readings. This enduring commitment to artistic excellence, community engagement, and educational impact establishes us as Mid-South's premier theatrical institution.
Services
Theatrical Productions
Youth Education Programs
Venue Rentals
Touring Performances
Playwriting Competitions
Accessibility Services
Summer Conservatory
School Matinees
Costume Rentals
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- 54 years of theatrical excellence with 880+ productions for 3.5M+ audience members
- Comprehensive education programs serving 30,000+ participants annually
- Three stages presenting 15+ annual productions from classics to new works
- Industry-leading accessibility initiatives including ASL interpretation
- Award-winning staff recognized at regional and national theater awards
What people say
Outstanding theatre
Vibrant performances
Lifelong learning
Cultural cornerstone
Inclusive environment
Services
Theatrical Productions
Our mainstage productions feature Broadway-quality performances across three venues. From classic musicals like The Wizard of Oz to contemporary works like Jagged Little Pill, we present 15+ annual shows. Each season includes family-friendly options, edgy new works, and educational performances. Our productions have been recognized at the Ostrander Awards and featured in American Theatre magazine.
Youth Education
Theatre Education Program offers classes for ages 4-18 with eight-week sessions culminating in showcase performances. Curriculum includes acting, musical theatre, and technical theatre training taught by industry professionals. Summer Conservatory provides intensive training with 1-3 week sessions for different age groups. Over 30,000 students participate annually.
Venue Rentals
Overton Square facility offers 10 unique spaces for weddings, corporate events, and private functions. Features include historic theater ambiance, modern amenities, and flexible configurations. Rental packages include technical support, catering coordination, and customizable time blocks from 5-12 hours with optional add-ons.
New Play Development
NewWorks@TheWorks program nurtures emerging playwrights through competitions, staged readings, and world premieres. Annual collaboration with Northern Michigan University includes $1,500 awards for winning scripts and dual productions in Memphis and Michigan. Program has launched works by Karen Saari and Kristen Field to national recognition.
Accessibility Programs
Comprehensive accessibility initiatives include ASL interpretation, audio description, and large-print programs. Pay-What-You-Can performances start at $5 with 25% of tickets reserved for low-income patrons. School matinees offer discounted field trip opportunities with curriculum-aligned productions for Pre-K through high school groups.
People
Michael Detroit
Executive Producer
Recipient of the Eugart Yerian Lifetime Achievement Award, Michael has led Playhouse on the Square's artistic vision for over two decades, overseeing 880+ productions while expanding educational outreach programs.
Ty Lenderman
Theatre Education Director
With 15+ years in arts education, Ty manages programs serving 30,000 annual participants, developing curriculum for youth and adult classes while expanding accessibility initiatives across the Mid-South region.
Taylor Manning
Staff Writer
Award-winning critic and dramaturg, Taylor's reviews and features have shaped regional theater discourse for a decade, covering productions from Parade to Waitress with incisive cultural analysis.
Diane Vescovo
Board Member
Longtime supporter and board member since 2005, Diane champions community engagement initiatives while representing donor perspectives in strategic planning and programming decisions.
Claire D. Kolheim
Resident Director
Tony-nominated director with 20+ Playhouse productions, Claire specializes in musical theater, recently helming Waitress and Parade while mentoring emerging directors through our NewWorks program.
Questions
What types of productions do you stage?
We present musicals, dramas, comedies, and new works across three venues including family-friendly shows, classic plays, and contemporary pieces like Parade and Jagged Little Pill.
Are performances accessible for disabled patrons?
Yes! We offer ASL interpretation, audio description, large-print programs, and wheelchair-accessible seating. Contact our box office to arrange accommodations.
Do you offer educational programs for children?
Our Theatre Education Program provides classes for ages 4-18, summer conservatory programs, and school matinees with curriculum-aligned productions for Pre-K through high school groups.
Can I rent your venue for private events?
Yes! We offer 10 unique event spaces in Overton Square for weddings, corporate events, and private functions with customizable rental packages and technical support options.
How can I support the theater?
Support through subscriptions, donations, or corporate sponsorships. We also welcome volunteers for events and education programs. Visit our 'How to Support Us' page for details.
What is your cancellation policy?
Subscribers may exchange tickets with 24-hour notice. All purchases are non-refundable. Check our website for current health and safety protocols affecting event attendance.
Reviews (5)
Stephanie Nordlund
Dec 23, 2021
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Cozy little theater. They are all set for keeping guests at a safe distance so this is a great option for seeing a performance if you have any health concerns. We saw Little Shop of Horrors, great show. The seating area is on the small side so there are no bad seats. Will be back next time we are in town.
Andrew Rogers
Dec 11, 2021
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Smaller theater, made the performance feel more personal. The cast was absolutely wonderful.
Hurrah for live theater coming back after the pandemic has wrecked a massive toll on the planet.
Hurrah for live theater coming back after the pandemic has wrecked a massive toll on the planet.
Cynthia Philipone
Aug 27, 2021
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Everything! Great plays, skilled actors, great sets and lighting and sound. just saw Days of Rage and it was moving. It also felt as relevant today as it was 50 years ago.
Dana Pham
Aug 12, 2021
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Saw Days of Rage here when I first moved to Memphis. Everything about this place exceeded my expectations. Great cast, really nice owner. They took Covid really seriously so I felt very safe. Definitely will be coming back!
Katy Hicks Musolino
Jun 03, 2020
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Everything! The variety, professionalism and talent are outstanding. I've missed live performances since the quarantine.