Theater & Music -- Seattle vs. Tacoma (Olympia: 2014, lease)

[TonyaJa]

Hi everyone--I lived in Seattle at one time, 1995-2001. In some ways, it was one of the best periods of my life, performing or otherwise; that is to say, at least I did some things I'm proud of. But being a native Californian, and coupled with a terrible depression I eventually went through + the weather, I left. I came back to Calif. to be near my elderly parents, now both gone and I am free to get back into study and performing which is what I love. I've grown disheartened by researching various states and cities. Nothing stands out to me and I keep returning to how much I loved the Puget Sound area. I'm in a lease until next April, so it would be then or possibly another year when I move .... somewhere. :=)

I'm not sure I want the hustle and bustle of Seattle again, plus the affordability factor. Are there performers or theater/music lovers who can tell me about the quality of Tacoma, maybe even Olympia, or other areas near Seattle I could dip my performing feet back into? Until I'm retirement age, some time off, I will still need to work so there should be commerce enough to support me. And when I say music, I'm studying acoustic guitar and would like continue; also musical theater.

Thanks for your input, Tonya.

[TonyaJa]

Telling me what the state of theater in Seattle is, in 2014? I'd really appreciate any feedback.

[amaiunmei]

It's not that your question isn't legitimate; the problem with your question is that, well ... there aren't a lot of definitive answers yet.

Amazon's expansion started about a year and a half ago, and had an immediate effect on Downtown Seattle and Capitol Hill, the two places where Seattle theatre tended to be based. A LOT of theatres are priced out of these two areas and are considering where to move. Will they move to South Seattle? Will they move outside of Seattle altogether? There aren't any solid answers at this point, but the change is ongoing and happening in the present.

My advice? Seattle is quite expensive now, and you may want to look at Olympia, which is decidedly less expensive and has a (small) theatre scene.