What is “The Hat?”
The Hat Theater Collective is a new collaborative theater ensemble created by Danae DeShazer.
Through innovative and immersive theatrical experiences, The Hat strives to be a catalyst for change, community, and conversation. The Hat’s original historical drama inspired by local history, The Ballad of Old Manatee, raised more than $4000 for historical preservation—and will return to Downtown Bradenton in April 2024.
The Hat’s mission is to create empathetic communities through site-specific theatrical experiences. Unlike traditional live theater, attending a production at The Hat will be unique each time! From immersive theater at a historical park to the courtyard of a Greek restaurant, site-specific theater allows The Hat to activate the Bradenton community in new and dynamic ways. The Hat collaborates with Manatee County organizations, non-profits, and businesses to present new works, contemporary plays and musicals, and cabarets in unconventional spaces.
Mission
The Hat Theater Collective enriches its community through culturally-important and inspirational theatrical experiences.
THE HAT THEATER COLLECTIVE ASPIRES…
To be a theater for everyone.
To create conversation.
To be a thought-leader among cultural organizations on the Gulf Coast.
To produce high-quality art.
To be a connector between other cultural organizations, not-for-profits, and businesses through exciting partnerships, collaborations, and conversations.
To provide a safe haven and space for directors, writers, designers, actors, and artisans that foster and nurture their creative ability and expand their talents.
CONNECTION
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TEAMWORK
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EMPATHY
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INCLUSIVITY
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ACCESSIBILITY
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CONNECTION 〰️ TEAMWORK 〰️ EMPATHY 〰️ INCLUSIVITY 〰️ ACCESSIBILITY 〰️
Creating “The Hat”
Stephen Sondheim's musical, "Sunday in the Park with George," contains an iconic song about artistry called "Finishing The Hat.” In the song, the character (based on real-life artist) George Seurat describes the act of creating and how fluid and demanding it is - and then the end product is just that. As simple as The Hat. It’s demanding, monotonous, and a thorough process. Creating. Art. And in the end, he says, “Look, I made a hat. Where there never was a hat.”
And that’s art, isn’t it? Creating something of nothing. Seeing the world in a different way. Providing perspective to what others see as straightforward and simple. The act of creation is anything but.
Founded by Producing Artistic Director, Danae DeShazer, The Hat Theater Collective started creating immersive theatrical experiences in 2023.