Talking Horse Productions

Talking Horse Productions (THP) enhances the Columbia community by producing intimate, character-driven plays and musicals in a black box venue, including the development of new works, while illuminating social issues and producing scripts that challenge and educate our audiences. THP invests in Columbia by presenting theater to local schools and other venues and by supporting other local not-for-profit organizations. THP creates opportunities for experienced and emerging actors, directors, playwrights, designers, technicians, and administrative staff, all within the burgeoning Orr Street Arts District in central Columbia. 

We offer an alternative to “traditional” community theatre by offering smaller works, driven by intense characters and rich dialogue in an intimate black box setting. Talking Horse Productions focuses on staging plays that demand the best talent in both on and offstage roles. This is an environment in which both innovation and experimentation may shine. Each year, THP selects six plays to produce bi-monthly for our main season -- shows ranging from comedy to drama, musical to experimental theatre. We shy away from producing the most popular plays in favor of finding contemporary scripts that otherwise wouldn't come to Columbia, sometimes even featuring world premieres! 

We create a professional environment for performers, technicians, writers, creators, musicians, and artists to stretch and develop their talents while exploring their chosen creative outlet. Beyond our six-show season, our theatre hosts a short-form improv group, "The Ponies," performing twice a month. Each November, our theatre hosts the Starting Gate New Play Festival which gives three local playwrights the opportunity to create two original scripts and have them produced. We display the works of local artists in our lobby, and we are proud to host special events and concerts that benefit a variety of local organizations. 

LIGHT US UP!

The 2024 CoMoGives campaign will be dedicated to enhancing the current lighting system through the purchase and installation of more energy-efficient lighting instruments. As THP returns to its black box roots, a more versatile lighting system becomes our most powerful scenic design tool. An improved system will enhance the professional quality of THP productions, will save on utility costs and will ensure the safety of THP personnel and the audience. 

The average cost of a theatrical lighting instrument is $600. The average cost of a lamp (bulb) is $300. You can "gift a piece of the lighting puzzle" and play an important role in upgrading the system. To thank you for your generosity, we offer the following premiums:

Donors who contribute at least $300 will receive two tickets to any show in the THP 2025 season. 

Donors who contribute at least $600 will receive two THP 2025 Season Flex Passes, which each include six admissions to be used in any combination for any show in the 2025 lineup. 

All donors to the LIGHT US UP! campaign, at either of the above levels will be listed in our 2025 Season Program. 

Donations of any amount are certainly most welcome and greatly appreciated!