strawhat

Strawhat is an adjective used to refer to theaters operating in the summertime in the suburbs and other regions outside of big cities, especially in the Northeast United States.

Strawhat is typically used in terms like strawhat theater or strawhat circuit, referring to the temporary summer theaters and performances that open in the summer. These are often known for providing the opportunity for young actors to make their debut. Because the American theater scene has traditionally been based in Broadway theater district in New York City, strawhat theaters were much more prevalent in the Northeast region of the U.S.

Example: I’m thinking of auditioning for a strawhat production this summer.

The first recorded uses of strawhat come from the 1930s. The name comes from the straw hats that were once popular to wear in the summer as a way to keep cool in the sun.

The peak of the strawhat theater scene lasted from the 1940s to the 1980s. During this time, there were more than 100 strawhat theaters in the Northeast. The network of theaters in this area became known as the strawhat circuit because many actors would perform at multiple theaters near each other. Although strawhat productions aren’t as popular as they once were, the tradition of summer theater still continues with summer stock performances in parks, at schools, and at various theaters. (Wearing a straw hat is optional, but encouraged.)

What are some synonyms for strawhat?

• summer theater
• summer stock

What are some words that share a root or word element with strawhat? 

• straw
• hat

What are some words that often get used in discussing strawhat?

• theater
• play
• repertory theater
• stock company
• circuit
• suburb
• debut

Strawhat plays are not usually given the same amount of attention or praise as Broadway or off-Broadway productions, but the term strawhat often implies a sense of charm and tradition associated with summer theaters. Since strawhat plays aren’t as popular anymore, the word can be used as a throwback to another era.

Could this audience be any better?! They're cracking up at everything we do! 😄 #strawhat #theater

— nora flaherty (@noracflaherty) June 20, 2015

Heading down to #Strawhat Auditions – excited to be kicking off the @InfinityTheatre audition season – hope to see some of you there!

— Michael Cassara (@michaelcassara) March 15, 2014

I am so excited I could bust!!! It's official!! I made the cut!! I AM AUDITIONING IN NEW YORK IN FEB. FOR SUMMERSTOCK!!!! #strawhat

— Landon Sholar (@landonio23) December 4, 2012

Where do strawhat plays usually take place?

A. Broadway
B. off Broadway theaters
C. suburbs in the Northeast
D. big cities