About Theatre Alliance
Mission
The mission of the Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance is to inspire, transform and unite the people of the Triad through a broad range of unique, diverse, and unconventional theatrical experiences.
History
The mission of the Winston-Salem Theatre Alliance is to inspire, transform and unite the people of the Triad through a broad range of unique, diverse and unconventional theatrical experiences. We are an all volunteer, all inclusive community theatre.
WSTA was founded by director Fred Gorelick in 1983. Gorelick, who taught acting classes at the Little Theatre of Winston Salem, began productions to showcase his students’ work. His tireless energy and tenacity resulted in a permanent functioning theatre, WSTA, which was incorporated as a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.
In the 1990s Michael Huie was appointed Artistic Director and held that title until 2001. The seasons became more ambitious with musicals like Nunsense and Pump Boys and Dinettes joining serious dramas like Burn This and The Heidi Chronicles plus uproarious comedies.
In 2001 one of the guest directors, Jamie Lawson, was asked to become Artistic Director and he continues to serve in that capacity today. Selecting the shows and overseeing virtually every aspect of production, Jamie’s stylish vision expanded TA’s offerings to 12 main stage shows annually. WSTA’s popularity grew exponentially while maintaining its mission.
WSTA produced shows in various venues before moving into its permanent rented “home” at the corner of Reynolda and Northwest Blvd in 2008. WSTA continued to gain popularity and in 2015 renovated the 88 seat house to a 120 seat house to accommodate increased demand.
In 2019 with the help of the Homecoming Capital Campaign and the support of the Ihrie family, WSTA purchased the former Blue Bird Cab Co. building at 650 W. 6th St. After two years of renovations, WSTA opened its new 188 seat theatre in August 2021. And then in the summer of 2024 added the 30 seat Beall black box theatre and the outdoor Gray Smith stage. In addition to 12 main stage shows we now offer 8 black box shows and 6 outdoor performances.
WSTA is thrilled to be in our new three stage home. We hope to continue entertaining our loyal fans and winning over new ones with some of the most interesting, challenging and vibrant theatre in the Triad.