Gemma Wilson

2 weeks ago | seattletimes.com | Gemma Wilson

It’s quiet in this basement rehearsal room, the energy like a held breath until the crack of metal on metal breaks the silence. Fencing foils clash. Underneath ArtsWest, two young actors, Allison Renee and Anteia DeLaney, are toiling under the watchful eye of fencing coach Sarah Lippai. Advance, retreat, parry. Repeat. The rehearsal won’t draw any blood but there will be sweat and even some tears, offset by plenty of laughter.

2 weeks ago | seattletimes.com | Gemma Wilson

As springtime blossoms with a sense of possibility, so too do our stages this season. Among the many great offerings on deck: feats of onstage athletic excellence, a sweeping and unlikely musical, a world-premiere play and two very different approaches to solo works — one brand new and the other a new take on a very old story.

3 weeks ago | seattletimes.com | Gemma Wilson

Two major Seattle arts organizations are joining forces. The 5th Avenue Theatre and Seattle Theatre Group have forged a strategic alliance in which STG has taken over the lease of the historical downtown theater space, owned by the University of Washington. STG will also present arts programming in the space, in cooperation with the longstanding musical theater company.

4 weeks ago | seattletimes.com | Gemma Wilson

Editor’s note: In this occasional feature, our arts and culture writers take a deeper look at the local arts scene, shining a spotlight on issues and trends, both local and national, and the art makers in our community. Do you know anyone who has no opinion about trigger warnings? For whatever reason, these little phrases cause big emotions, both positive and negative.

2 months ago | seattletimes.com | Gemma Wilson

ACT Contemporary Theatre and Seattle Shakespeare Company will officially merge into one theater company as of July 1, the organizations announced Thursday. The companies will merge under the legal name Union Arts Center and operate out of ACT’s current multi-theater home at the former Eagles building at 700 Union St. in downtown Seattle.