In conjunction with The Theatre Museum’s “Brooklyn Sees Stars” exhibit at Brooklyn Public Library, The Theatre Museum hosted a unique panel discussion, “Theatre in Brooklyn,” exploring the surprising history of the borough’s 200-year-old theatre scene and celebrating its vibrant contribution to the performing arts in New York City today.

The panel was hosted by Brooklyn-based playwright and performer Trav S.D. who has written more than 300 articles on theatre which have appeared in the Village Voice, Time Out New York, American Theatre and the New York Sun and is the host of “Indie Theatre Now” a regular podcast which can be found at www.nytheatre.com. His latest book is No Applause, Just Throw Money: the Book that Made Vaudeville Famous.

The panel discussion included the following highlights:

“Brooklyn Sees Stars” exhibit curator, Craig Morrison, presented a fascinating overview history of theatre in the borough dating back to the 1800s.

Bill Updegraff, marketing director of St. Anne’s Warehouse spoke of that organization’s role in being one of the earliest players in the current era of Brooklyn theatre revitalization.

Robert Elmes, director of Galapagos and one of the pioneers of the arts in the Williamsburg area, spoke about his unique for-profit arts organization and its new incarnation in DUMBO.

Eric Richmond, director of the Brooklyn Lyceum spoke his unique and architecturally significant arts center in Park Slope.

Virginia Louloudes, executive director of A.R.T./ New York spoke about the role that that organization’s Fort Green annex South Oxford Space plays in the community.

Terry Greiss, artistic director of Irondale Ensemble Project, spoke about his theatre’s new Ft. Green location, and the new BAM Cultural District.

The presentations were followed by a lively and engaging Q & A session involving the whole audience.