Majestic Repertory Theatre

Performing arts groups have had to adapt to an online environment due to the pandemic. Companies like the Majestic Repertory Theatre are no exception as they continue putting on productions to engage the community. 

Founded in 2016, Majestic Repertory Theatre, an independent, non-profit theatrical production company here in Las Vegas, works to put traditional works on the stage while also producing “cutting edge immersive experiences.” 

Troy Heard, the company’s Artistic Director, said they have a “diverse ensemble of performers, creators, designers, and technicians that collaborate on exciting and challenging projects.”  

According to Heard, “Our original mission statement was to find in Las Vegas the voices that will change American Theatre. We’ve evolved that to include all forms of media: film, podcasting, streaming. As many companies are discovering these days, it’s crucial to be nimble.”

Since its opening, Majestic Repertory has received widespread attention for some of its premiere productions, both regionally and nationally. These include John Moran’s “The Manson Family: An Opera” and the world premiere of Amber Ruffin’s “Bigfoot: The Musical.” 

Heard shared that the group has established themselves as “the quirky/edgy downtown company” and that as they grew, their commitment to being an immersive and experiential ensemble helped them to “carve out a unique niche in Las Vegas.”

Pausing For the Pandemic

With their revenue relying primarily on ticket sales for their productions and the pandemic shutting the doors on live performances, Majestic Repertory has not been able to put on any live entertainment since the middle of March that they could sell tickets for. 

“This is devastating not only to us but to venues small to large throughout the nation,” Heard said. “When the pandemic was declared, we had two productions running, two in rehearsal, and several on deck, as well as an entire 2020-21 season to announce. That’s all been shelved.”

Being an immersive and interactive group, the Theatre quickly switched to an online format, much like many other artists and production companies. 

“Using Instagram and Facebook Live, we created a couple of dial-in talk shows where callers could interact with different characters. We also did a ‘Day Drinking with Majestic Rep’,’” Heard said. “Since then, we’ve started producing socially distant, drive-in shows.”

At these drive-in shows, guests who pre-purchased a mask and t-shirt that the Theatre was selling, and when they came to pick them up, they were treated to a live performance. 

Heard said that the Theatre has a retail license, and “nothing was stating that we couldn’t deliver the product with a flair.”

The company has set up a Patreon for people to help support their more immediate needs, such as adapting and updating equipment to ensure their performances are safe and cover costs for any filmed or streamed stories they produce. 

“Although these are all fun and exciting, they don’t generate the same revenue as traditional shows,” Heard said. 

Majestic Repertory Theatre’s Outlook

Regarding the outlook for the company, Heard expressed that there’s a give and take involved. 

“The bleak answer is, our recovery depends upon our nation’s recovery, so do the math. We won’t be able to return to packed houses until a vaccine is developed and audiences feel comfortable returning to indoor theatre,” he said. “A vaccine is particularly crucial for our interactive shows where the one-on-one scenes between actors and audience members are a highlight.” 

He observed that the company also has to cover the expenses for their physical storefront, located in the Arts District downtown. 

“This is our 99-seat theatre, which has become a makeshift movie studio during the pandemic,” Heard said. “On the flip side, we’re now hitting a stride with our drive-in experiences and filmmaking. We’re remaining hopeful that someway or another, we’ll be able to continue storytelling.

Through their storytelling, Heard shared that the ensemble focuses on addressing parity issues in the community. 

“A hallmark of Majestic Rep is our diversity both on stage/screen and behind the scenes – gender, race, sexuality,” he said. “The stories we tell reflect the city we live in, and it isn’t all white.”

For people who want to help address issues of equality in the community, Heard said to “look within your organizations.”

 “If everybody looks like you, then there’s probably a problem.”

#GetinMotion with Majestic Repertory Theatre

Heard went on to share how the community can help support the Theatre itself until they can open their doors to the public again and people can “come see a show and say ‘hi’!”.  

“Besides following our adventures on social media, come check out our stuff! Sometimes it can be weird and off-beat, but it’s never boring,” he said. “Also, supporting our Patreon helps greatly – $3.00 a month stretches a lot further than you’d think.”

People can get more information and follow the company through their social media platforms, including their Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, and visit their website, www.majesticrepertory.com. 

Heard concluded by saying, “I want to find the one person who hasn’t binged any entertainment during this pandemic.” 

“From Hamilton on Disney+ to new series and movies on Hulu and Netflix – these writers, actors, and directors have been giving you a reprieve from the uniquely stressful reality we’re all living through now,” Heard said. “We are essential.”