Stage and Theater

Many cities in the United States have a robust stage and theater scene, and a growing number of their performances have fallen within the realm of Geek Culture in recent years. Old school radio dramas, original comic book-tinged plays, live productions of Star Trek episodes, and pop culture-themed musicals have all been performed across the country, while role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons has been transformed into a comedic spectator sport – all adding to the uniqueness of twenty-first century entertainment options.

A Klingon Christmas Carol

The Charles Dicken’s tale was adapted for the stage and translated into the fictional Star Trek language of Klingon in 2007, while another holiday classic received the same treatment in 2019.

Ditko: The Play

The life and career of legendary comic book artist Steve Ditko is explored by playwright Lenny Schwartz, with performances in New York City and Ditko’s hometown of Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

Dodge Intrepid and the Pages of Time

A trio of Pittsburgh actors developed an old school radio drama featuring a 1940s time traveling librarian from Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, with each episode of the series performed live onstage.

Dungeons & Dragons as Improv Comedy

In 2013, Pittsburgh actor/writer Fred Betzner launched Knights of the Arcade, with improv comedy actors playing the popular role playing game Dungeons & Dragons live and onstage.

Evil Dead: The Musical

In 2003, a group of Canadian theater students reimagined the Evil Dead films of Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell into a cult musical production that has been staged in over 150 regional theaters.

Jurassic World Live Tour

The live production transports attendees to the world of Jurassic Park with life-size dinosaurs and a storyline that takes place between Jurassic World and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.

Night of the Living Dead: The Opera

Composer Todd Goodman discusses transforming George Romero’s classic 1968 film into a contemporary opera that simultaneously appeals to both opera and horror fans.

Outdoor Trek (and Wars Outdoors)

The Seattle theater troupe Hello Earth Productions began performing episodes of Star Trek in various local parks in 2010 before taking on the space fantasy epic Star Wars a few years later.

She Kills Monsters (and Slays Dragons)

The Dungeons and Dragons-themed play is a reflection of contemporary times as much as it is homage to Geek Culture, as well as fitting portrayal of the power of stories in everyday lives.

The Buffy Sing-Along Phenomenon

Interactive screenings of the “Once More, With Feeling” musical episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer briefly swept the country over a three year period before ending due to licensing issues.

The Intergalactic Nemesis

Jason Neulander of Austin, Texas, discusses the “live-action graphic novel” that premiered as a radio serial in 1996 before evolving into multimedia production that has toured the world.

Trek in the Park

Scripts from Star Trek: The Original Series have been used for outdoor theater productions in Portland, Oregon, much like Shakespeare in the Park performances around the country.