Our History
Who Turned Out the Lights? originated in the small town of Rose in Upstate New York. Founded by Lorelei Canne and Jennifer Teska, the company was created to help bring theatre into a small community. The company was to serve two functions. The first was to provide an outlet for performers in the area who were usually relegated to waiting for the once-a-year school productions. The second was to bring more contemporary theatre to the community at large. In this way, members of the community could be exposed to theatre that they typically would have to drive an hour in order to participate in or see. Performances included Songs for a New World, Into the Woods, and a variety of cabaret evenings that ranged from song-cycles to fully scripted evenings following a plot created by the actors.
Our name came about because the week of our first meeting to form the company, a massive ice storm hit the area, knocking out power for multiple counties for several days. Despite this, we managed to all get together, cuddled in our jackets and blankets, and making creative use of flashlights and candles. In the chilled, dimly lit room, we got the ball rolling, and as the sun set, bringing an end to our meeting, we couldn’t help but ask, “Hey! Who turned out the lights?”
In 2011, the decision was made to move the company from Upstate to New York City to continue its work. With time and the move, our goals have also shifted. We are now seeking to provide an outlet for performers working on the tight budget and crazy schedule that is life in New York City. Our productions include both shows already in existence as well as those of our own creation, with a focus on contemporary musical theatre.
Our New York City debut was Another Night in New York, an evening of interactive theatre that included a collection of pre-existing musical theatre songs woven around a plot created by the performers, telling the story of a party in the city during which the guests broke up, made out, made up, and, of course, burst into song.
Coming up is the cabaret Shakespeare's Playlist: Much Ado About Hero &Beatrice and the web series, The Jane Games. Find out more in Current Productions.
Our name came about because the week of our first meeting to form the company, a massive ice storm hit the area, knocking out power for multiple counties for several days. Despite this, we managed to all get together, cuddled in our jackets and blankets, and making creative use of flashlights and candles. In the chilled, dimly lit room, we got the ball rolling, and as the sun set, bringing an end to our meeting, we couldn’t help but ask, “Hey! Who turned out the lights?”
In 2011, the decision was made to move the company from Upstate to New York City to continue its work. With time and the move, our goals have also shifted. We are now seeking to provide an outlet for performers working on the tight budget and crazy schedule that is life in New York City. Our productions include both shows already in existence as well as those of our own creation, with a focus on contemporary musical theatre.
Our New York City debut was Another Night in New York, an evening of interactive theatre that included a collection of pre-existing musical theatre songs woven around a plot created by the performers, telling the story of a party in the city during which the guests broke up, made out, made up, and, of course, burst into song.
Coming up is the cabaret Shakespeare's Playlist: Much Ado About Hero &Beatrice and the web series, The Jane Games. Find out more in Current Productions.