Welcome
SUMMER STOCK!
(Above: The Barn Theatre)
If you haven’t figured it out yet, this site is dedicated to that most unique form of American Theatre known as Summer Stock.
Summer Stock has a long and interesting history, beginning in the early part of the 20th century when actors, playwrights, directors and producers looked for a place in the summer to practice their crafts. (Before air conditioning, it is my understanding that the New York theatres often closed in the summer.) Many times old barns were converted into theatres; the idea of “theatre in a barn” is very much associated with summer stock.
Most summer stock companies established themselves in resort areas, places the new “middle class” would escape to for their annual one week vacation. The theatre fare was typically the classics, especially Shakespeare. But as summer stock developed, more and more playhouses switched to lighter entertainment, such as comedies and especially, musicals.
The companies themselves were for-profit businesses, often run by wonderfully eccentric, dedicated solo producers. Barnum would have been proud of them.
Stock reached its zenith in the 40s and 50s. By the 1970s, because of rising costs and other economic factors, many stock companies were forced out of business.
But summer stock continues–even to this day. It is an American institution that just will not go away.
This site is dedicated to remembering summer theatres gone, celebrating summer theatres present, and encouraging the new summer theatres of the future. It is a place to gather stories from performers and audience members. And, it is a place where I’ll share my memories.
About Your Host 
You may be wondering what kind of crazy person would start a blog about summer stock. Well, I am. (That’s me, by the way, above, taken during my apprentice year in summer stock–tender age of 16.)
My name is Thom Bray, and I’ve been in the entertainment business for over 30 years. I’ve done lots of different kind of work in my career (actor, writer, producer, director) but I started my career in summer stock– a non-equity theatre called Lakewood Musical Playhouse in Barnesville, PA, run by a character named Bob Buchanan (more on that later.)
My first year in stock I was an apprentice–I paid for the experience of scrubbing toilets, building sets, living in a hornet infested shack, and being in the chorus. Needless to say, I loved it.
I loved it so much that as a freshman in college, I joined forces with my college roommate and started a non-equity stock company in Clinton, CT.
So, who better than I to ramble–and encourage you to come here and do so as well?
Bring me your stories: as actors, designers, directors, producers, musicians, technicians, volunteers and audience members.
Hey gang–let’s put on a show! I’ve got a barn…
INSPIRATION
I have to tell you about a fantastic book about Summer Stock that was the inspiration for this site: Summer Stock: An American Theatrical Phenomenon. By Martha Schmoyer LoMonaco. This book is an absolute, MUST READ for anyone at all interested in the history of this art form. Go to your local bookstore and seek it out.