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Health & Fitness

Your Guide to Theater on Cape Cod

When most people think about Cape Cod, they envision sandy beaches, swimming, and sailing mixed with a dose of quaint New England charm. But for residents and vacationers alike, the Cape has much more to offer.

Cape Cod is home to a lively theater and cinema scene. From theaters and plays to movie theaters and even a drive-in, the Cape has something to offer virtually every taste. Here are just a few of the possibilities that await a drama aficionado:

·  Wellfleet Drive-In. If you’re looking for a bit of nostalgia, look no further than the drive-in movie theater in Wellfleet. Although the Cape was once home to no fewer than five drive-in theaters, these old-time standards are now an endangered species. Built in 1957, this summertime destination still draws in crowds looking to see nightly double features of current movie releases. With a playground, mini golf, and a snack bar serving everything from burgers to popcorn to ice cream treats, this old-school theater is a true blast from the past.

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·  Cape Cinema. Located in Dennis, Cape Cinema runs film showings as well as world-class performances by the Met Opera and National Theatre Live, headlining renowned singers and actors. Its historic home features one of the largest murals in the country spanning its vaulted ceiling.

·  Cape Playhouse.  Also located in Dennis is the Cape Playhouse, the country’s oldest professional summer theater. The playhouse runs plays and musicals seasonally in an effort to bring Broadway to the Cape, while providing internships in the theater arts. Many famous names in stage and film have worked, studied, and performed at the Playhouse over the years. The organization also features a children’s theater. Cape cinema and Playhouse are the same place. Film festivals are held in P-town and on Nantucket.

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·  Harwich Junior Theatre. Offering classes and workshops in aspects of theater including movement, playwriting, improvisation, and acting, HJT also stages performances in beloved classic children’s theater that appeal to adults and children alike. HJT also provides outreach programs to area schools.

·  The Cape Cod Theatre Project. Featuring both performances and internships, this Falmouth-based organization offers students the opportunity to learn about the theater through staged readings, opportunities to work with local playwrights, and seminars and master classes with invited artists. The project aims to expose students to all aspects of the theater experience.

·  Monomoy Theatre. This Chatham theater, now in its 56th season, offers guests the opportunity to see performances of classic plays and musicals.

·  Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater. In addition to performances, this theater sponsors a summer music festival with weekly evening concerts in a variety of musical styles ranging from big band to blues to pop.

·  Film Festivals. Each summer, communities around the Cape host film festivals with screenings of award-winning and thought-provoking feature films and documentaries. From Provincetown’s International Film Festival in June to the African-American Film Festival on Martha’s Vineyard in August, there are festivals to suit every film buff’s tastes.

Theater fans and students alike will find that the Cape is home to some of the finest theater in the country. Whether it’s plays or musicals, opera or film that you love, you’re sure to find a venue to suit your interests on the Cape.

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