Coming soon to a theater near you. Obvious Dad, an ArtsBuild Community Arts Partner, is set to return to the stage this summer to perform two plays never seen before in Chattanooga.
The company, known for its summer-only “edgy and experimental performances,” returns for its third season — and its first as an official nonprofit organization. Artistic Director Blake Harris said Obvious Dad strives to fill a gap within the local theater community.
“We set out from the very beginning to fill a niche that was missing,” Blake said. “You have your community theaters that play a vital role, and then on the other side, you have the Tivioli and Memorial booking professional shows.”
Blake said Obvious Dad bridges that gap and creates community-minded theater in a local + professional way. He said the organization focuses on identifying the voices that might not be elevated by giving them room front and center.
According to Blake, this season is all about transformation and the vulnerability within that shown in two productions:
- MJ Kaufman’s “Sagittarius Ponderosa” | June 16-18, 23-25, 30, + July 1-2 | Join the characters on a journey of self-discovery + where it takes them
- Young Jean Lee’s “LEAR” | August 4-6, 11-13 + 18-20 | Featuring an all-female cast, watch the collision of Shakespeare’s work, themes of mortality + much more
Note: all performances will be held at the UTC Fine Arts Center (752 Vine St.) — Friday + Saturday shows start at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows start at 2:30 p.m.
Bonus: Obvious Dad will kick off its season with its second annual Dad Gala in early June. Stay tuned to learn more about this event that will feature bands, drag performances, and more.
Want to spend the summer in Obvious Dad style? Check out their Instagram for updates + more information.
