Live shows and movies are shown at the Hippodrome. The Hipp was founded in 1972 by six artists (Bruce Cornwell, Gregory Hausch, Mary Hausch, Kerry McKinney, Marilyn Wall and Orin Wechsberg) with the goal of presenting the best in challenging, contemporary theater. By its official founding date of April 18, 1973, the Hippodrome had acquired a name, established a home in a converted hardware/convenience store and selected a season of plays and theater classes for children.
The Hippodrome's Theatre Arts Series is a series of hands-on theater classes held in the spring and summer. Children learn about acting and the theatrical process, cultivating their talents and stimulating their minds. The Hippodrome Improvisational Teen Theatre (HITT) program was created in 1984 to address critical issues that affect teens and their families. HITT is a peer education project which encourages youth in Gainesville and the surrounding region to explore their attitudes about drug and substance abuse, AIDS, suicide, teen pregnancy, sexuality, emotional and physical abuse, weapons in the schools and other topics relavent to today's young people. HITT provides teens who are at risk for substance abuse or dropping out, with creative ways of dealing with some of the critical issues they face daily.
The Hippodrome's intern program offers professional training in acting, directing, administration and technical theater. The program, founded in 1980, works in cooperation with colleges throughout the nation.
The Hippodrome has also introduced such innovative programs as the New Play Reading Series, the Teen Playwright Festival, Theatre Arts Series and has hosted more than 200 visual arts exhibits, artistic residencies, master classes, festivals, and guest artist presentations.
Write a Review
