From the jazz age to the digital age, Greenville Theatre has engaged audiences with Broadway-caliber musicals and plays for almost 100 years. Founded in 1926, the Upstate’s oldest and largest locally producing non-profit theater will present its 99th season this fall.
Producing Artistic Director Max Quinlan said each show is made to the highest professional standards and showcases the work of local artists.
“It’s incredible the talent we have in this area,” said Quinlan, a former Broadway resident director and actor. “What you see in our shows is made in-house — lighting, sets, costuming, all of it. It’s created for our community, by our community. It’s a lot of work, but it’s important, unique and special work.”
Quinlan said the staff is proud of the impact Greenville Theatre has on its community.
“We are working hard to create experiences that positively impact the quality of life in the Upstate,” he said. “It is our honor to not only be Greenville Theatre, but to be Greenville’s theater.”
The upcoming season, which runs this September until June 2025, will include musicals “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” “Anastasia,” “Jersey Boys” and “Sister Act” alongside plays “Dial M for Murder,” and “Tuesdays With Morrie.”
“It’s an incredible lineup of shows with regional premieres and thrilling classics,” Quinlan said. “Our theater is unique because our seasons are designed to make sure there is truly something for everyone. Art should not be exclusive, and Greenville Theatre is committed to telling diverse stories for all people to enjoy and connect with.”
While the theater team gears up for fall productions, audiences can enjoy summer concerts featuring nationally recognized tribute bands. ZOSO will perform “The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience” July 26, and “Bruce in the USA,” a Bruce Springsteen tribute band, offers concerts Aug. 2-4.
Quinlan said summer is the perfect time to become a patron or subscriber to the season to avoid missing any of the six shows.
“As a nonprofit, every donation and ticket purchase goes directly back into creating the theater that you love to see,” he said. “Ticket sales cover only about 50% of annual costs, with grants and donations only accounting for 15%. For the rest we rely on you, our supporters. Contributions to GT not only impact our arts organization, but also contribute to the commerce of our great city with theatergoers visiting other local businesses.”
Quinlan expressed gratitude to Greenville Theatre’s show sponsors and partners, whose contributions make it possible to keep professional theater accessible to all.
“I love creating art for this community and I am humbled by the support we receive,” he said. “We’re in the business of telling stories that deepen our connection to humanity so that you can take that connection into the world to, hopefully, make it a better place.”
Community Foundation of Greenville sponsors the “Giving Matters” series, made possible by donor support from people like you, to tell stories about local nonprofit organizations and how philanthropy is impacting the Greenville community.
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