The Story Behind House Plays
The notion of House Plays originated in various high schools in South Africa, where all the school’s houses (similar to those in Harry Potter) would put on shows and compete for awards such as Best Ensemble, Best Actress, and of course, Best Play. These evenings of live theatre were both directed and performed by students, with a teacher overseeing the whole process, and attended by both associates of the school and the greater neighborhood.
My own house, Alseids, was the most decorated from this during my high school career. It was an even playing field when it came to other inter-house activities like galas, sports and fundraising, but House Plays was where we truly shone. My very first production saw me as an evil German professor a la Doofenshmirtz and not only did it wow the entire school, but we also won Best Play. And of course I would go on to be involved with the creation of future House Plays shows as either a director or an actor for the rest of high school and get a distinction in Drama.
It’s been over ten years since my last tenure doing House Plays, and I’m now on the North American continent where it's such a rare thing in schools. We have festivals for the most part instead. But here’s another thing that's pretty rare: plays in literal houses and other unconventional venues. Until I got my first play professionally produced while still in college.
The play in question, This is Not a Bill, took place at various historical landmarks around Salem, Massachusetts, telling the story of an enslaved couple traveling north through the city to freedom during the Fugitive Slave Act of 1854. Walking along lantern-lit Salem streets past Hamilton Hall, the Salem Old Town Hall and other instrumental places during the abolitionist era as we watched the fate of characters who lived the exact same story we're telling...shivers. Besides all the awards including a regional nomination for Best Play from BroadwayWorld, it showed me the truth of what theatre actually is: making your audience aware of the stories and perspectives of the world that long to be known. And that is my exact mission with House Plays.
- Alexia Rowe, Founder and Artistic Director
Upcoming Performances
Don't miss out! Check our calendar for exciting live performances that elevate everyday spaces into vibrant stages. Be part of a unique theatre experience.
House Plays Live at Forbes House MuseumSat, Jul 25Forbes House Museum
Coming Soon! House Plays in Boston Fall 2026Date and time is TBDLocation is TBD
Why House Plays
Traditional proscenium theaters have had declining attendance post-pandemic. From 2023 to 2024, it fell by 19% and income dropped by 37% for many regional theaters. In fact, many attendees view these spaces as “gated” or “elitist,” along with the high costs deterring them from spending. Here's how we fix that:
Diverse Performances
Embrace New Narratives
Theatre and other arts forms show the truth of the life we are living in a way nothing else can. Our upcoming seasons include unique voices ranging from emerging playwrights to seasoned artists, showcasing a mosaic of stories that resonate with various audiences.
Community Engagement
Building Connections
We bring shows right into the neighborhoods of people who otherwise would not be able to attend a show for logistical or accessible reasons. Because everyone, regardless of race, economic standing or other categorizing factors, should be allowed to enjoy it.
Unique Venues
Theatre Everywhere
Enjoy the thrill of performance in diverse and unexpected locations, enhancing the connection between the audience and the art in a way that traditional theatres cannot.
Contact Us
Interested in renting out your house or space for a House Plays performance? Or are you playwright with a show you'd like to see performed live instead of waiting for someone to decide to produce it? Reach out to us. We look forward to hearing from you and building this movement with you!
Email us at info@alexiarowe.com.