A new collaborative initiative is taking shape within the Maryland live theater scene, and The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre is at the forefront of this movement.
Emphasizing the idea of mutual elevation, The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre has planned performances in March and May that it hopes will pave the way for ongoing artistic collaborations among local theater companies.
On March 14, the theater will partner with In the Dark Circus Arts for a captivating event titled “Night Circus”. This one-night-only event will combine elements of cirque performance, mind-reading, and magic, all interlaced with a touch of Poe’s signature style. The evening will open and close with impressive cirque acts, and in the middle, attendees will enjoy a performance by The National Edgar Allan Poe Theatre’s highly-regarded mind reader, Alexander the Pretty Good. To top it off, there will be captivating readings of Poe’s poetry, creating a delightful sandwich of circus and magic.
On May 14, Alex Zavistovich, the artistic director of Poe Theatre, will be present at Everyman Theatre for a special event titled “Thinking of Emma,” which features a reading from Jane Austen’s beloved novel, “Emma.” This event coincides with Everyman Theatre’s upcoming presentation of a Kate Hamill adaptation of the classic, set to premiere on May 17. Zavistovich will read an excerpt from “Emma,” alongside selected poems by Poe, offering a rich blend of literature.
“As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats,” Zavistovich explained. “With funding becoming scarcer and audiences’ interests scattered across numerous entertainment options, it is essential for theaters to collaborate more frequently. This way, we can increase awareness of each other’s work and share the hard work involved in production. We are thrilled to contribute to the vibrant stage entertainment in Baltimore.”
The “Night Circus” represents the first collaboration between Poe Theatre and In the Dark Circus Arts. The two organizations have plans for a second collaboration in May, during which In the Dark Circus Arts will host the Poe Theatre’s Doomsday 2026 Edgar Allan Poe Readathon. Located in Pigtown, In the Dark Circus Arts specializes in “cirque-style” theatrical performances, incorporating techniques such as aerial arts, the Cyr wheel, trapeze, and more. They will also present an hour-long mind-reading show themed around Poe, performed by Alexander the Pretty Good from the Poe Theatre.
The Bromo Art Walk on May 14 will mark the second collaboration between Poe Theatre and Everyman Theatre. Last year, the two companies teamed up to create coupon codes that cross-promoted their productions, “A Christmas Carol for Edgar Allan Poe” and “Deceived.”
“Our audiences may not be familiar with each other’s performances, and it’s essential we address this gap,” Zavistovich remarked. “We are not in competition; rather, we aim to broaden the understanding of the diverse theatrical experiences available to Baltimore’s art enthusiasts. This collaboration is beneficial for the entire community.”
