You’re walking down 4th Avenue in Olympia. The rain is doing that misty, Pacific Northwest thing where it isn’t quite a downpour but you’re definitely getting soaked. Then you see it. The State Theater neon is buzzing. It’s a landmark. For anyone who actually lives here or visits for the arts, Harlequin Productions in Olympia WA isn’t just a theater company; it’s basically the heartbeat of the downtown core. They’ve been at it since 1991. That’s decades of grit, costume changes, and risky scripts that probably shouldn't have worked in a town this size, yet somehow always do.
It's weirdly intimate.
Most people think of community theater as, well, "community theater"—low budgets and sets that look like they’re made of painted cardboard. Harlequin is different. It’s professional. They operate under a Small Professional Theatre contract with Actors' Equity Association. That means the talent is legit. You’re seeing people who have done the grind in Seattle or New York, but they’re standing five feet from you in a 200-seat house. Honestly, the proximity is what gets you. You can see the sweat. You can hear the floorboards creak. It makes the drama feel less like a "performance" and more like you’re eavesdropping on a private moment.
The State Theater: From Cinema to Center Stage
The building itself has a vibe. It was originally a movie house back in the 1940s. If these walls could talk, they’d probably tell you to pipe down and enjoy the show. Harlequin moved in and did a massive renovation in the late 90s, turning a decaying cinema into a live performance powerhouse. They kept the soul of the place. The art deco touches are still there, but the technical capabilities are surprisingly high-end for a local nonprofit.
They don't play it safe.
While other regional theaters might stick to "The Sound of Music" for the tenth year in a row to keep the lights on, Harlequin has a reputation for being a bit... edgy. They lean into the "Eclectic" part of their mission statement. You might catch a world premiere of a play by a local playwright one month, and then a reimagined Shakespearean tragedy the next. This willingness to fail—or to at least take a massive swing—is why the local audience stays so loyal.
The Real People Behind the Curtain
It started with founders Scot and Bernadette Guest. They had a vision that wasn't about making a quick buck, which is good, because nobody goes into nonprofit theater for the gold bullion. It was about "Real. Live. Theater." In 2018, things shifted. Aaron Lamb took over as Artistic Director. Transitioning leadership in an arts organization is usually a disaster. Usually, everyone panics. But Lamb, who had already been a staple on their stage for years, managed to keep the momentum going while modernizing the technical aspects of their productions.
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The crew is mostly local. The set designers, the lighting techs—these are people you see at the San Francisco Street Bakery or the Farmers Market. There's a specific "Olympia" aesthetic that bleeds into the shows. It’s a little raw. It’s highly intellectual but doesn't feel snobby.
What to Expect When You Actually Go
If you’re planning to catch a show at Harlequin Productions in Olympia WA, leave the tuxedo at home. This is the PNW. You will see people in North Face vests sitting next to people in vintage velvet. It’s egalitarian.
Parking is a whole thing.
Look, downtown Olympia parking isn't a nightmare compared to Seattle, but it requires a plan. There’s street parking, but the meters are active until 5:00 PM. If you’re going to a matinee, bring quarters or use the app. Most veterans of the Harlequin scene park a few blocks away near the waterfront and walk in. It gives you time to decompress after the show.
The Bar and Concessions
They have a bar. It’s small, but it’s stocked with local stuff. Getting a glass of wine or a local brew during intermission is a rite of passage. They also do this thing where you can pre-order your intermission drink so it’s just sitting there waiting for you when the lights come up. It makes you feel like a high-roller even if you're wearing 10-year-old boots.
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The Seasonal Arc
The season usually runs with about six to seven mainstage shows. They have a specific rhythm.
- The Fall Opener: Usually something punchy and contemporary to get the energy up.
- The Holiday Show: This is where they deviate. Often, it’s "Stardust." It’s a recurring musical series they’ve done for years—an original 1940s-style radio play vibe. People in Olympia go nuts for it. It’s nostalgic without being saccharine.
- The Winter Drama: This is when they get serious. Expect something that makes you think about your life choices for three days afterward.
- The Spring/Summer Musicals: These are high energy. They aren't just "flashy"; they usually have a dark undercurrent or a very specific stylistic hook.
Why Harlequin Matters for the Local Economy
Art isn't just "nice to have." It’s an engine. When 200 people descend on the State Theater for a Friday night show, they aren't just sitting in the dark. They’re eating at Pizzeria La Gitana across the street. They’re grabbing a drink at The Brotherhood Lounge. They’re shopping.
The theater acts as an anchor. In a world where everyone is staring at a 6-inch screen in their pocket, Harlequin forces you to look at a human being. There’s a psychological weight to it. You’re breathing the same air as the actors. If they mess up, you see it. If they nail a monologue, you feel the vibration in the floor. That kind of shared experience is becoming rare, and Olympia is lucky to have a dedicated space for it.
The "Stardust" Phenomenon
You can't talk about Harlequin without mentioning "Stardust." It’s their bread and butter. It’s a series of original musicals set during or after WWII. It sounds like it might be cheesy, but it’s actually a masterclass in ensemble performance. The music is live. The harmonies are tight. It’s the kind of show you take your grandmother to, but you actually end up enjoying it more than she does. It’s become a cultural touchstone for the city.
Facing the Challenges
It hasn't been all standing ovations. Like every other arts venue on the planet, the 2020-2022 era was a total gut punch. They had to pivot to digital content, which is hard when your whole brand is "Real. Live. Theater." But they survived. They came back with a vengeance.
The current challenge? Inflation. Cost of lumber for sets is up. Cost of lighting gels is up. But they’ve managed to keep ticket prices relatively accessible. They offer "Pay What You Can" nights, which is a massive deal. It ensures that theater isn't just for the people who can drop $60 on a ticket. It keeps the audience diverse. It keeps the "community" in the theater.
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The "Real" Experience
Honestly, the best part isn't the show itself. It’s the lobby after the show. The actors often come out and mingle. It’s not some "stage door" situation with barricades. It’s just people talking about the art they just shared. You might find yourself arguing about the subtext of a scene with the guy who just played the lead role. That’s the magic of Harlequin Productions in Olympia WA. The barrier between the art and the audience is incredibly thin.
Pro-Tips for Your Visit
If you’re a first-timer, don't just show up five minutes before curtain.
- Arrive early. The State Theater lobby is a great place to people-watch.
- Check the "Pay What You Can" dates. They usually announce these a few weeks out. If you're on a budget, this is your golden ticket.
- Sign up for the newsletter. They do flash sales.
- Don't be afraid of the front row. In some theaters, the front row is too close. At the State, it’s perfect. You’re practically in the scene.
How to Get Involved
They’re always looking for volunteers. If you can’t act (or don’t want to), you can usher. Ushers see the show for free. It’s the best hack in town. They also have robust internship programs for college students from Evergreen or Saint Martin’s. It’s a training ground.
Harlequin isn't going anywhere. They’ve survived economic downturns, a pandemic, and the general decline of the "night out." They’ve done it by staying weird, staying professional, and staying local. If you’re in Olympia and you haven't been, you’re missing the point of living here.
Final Practical Steps for the Theater-Goer
If you're ready to dive in, here is the move. Go to their website and look at the "Current Season" tab. Don't just look for a title you recognize. Pick the one that sounds the most confusing or challenging. That’s usually where the Harlequin magic happens.
- Check the Calendar: Most shows run Thursday through Sunday. Thursdays are usually the quietest and easiest to get prime seats.
- Dinner Reservations: If you're eating downtown before a 7:30 PM show, make your reservation for 5:45 PM. Service in Olympia is "relaxed" (read: slow), and you don't want to be sprinting to the theater with a stomach full of pasta.
- The "Rush" Strategy: If a show is sold out, show up 30 minutes before and put your name on the list. People flake. You can almost always snag a single seat.
- Support the Local Scene: Buy a season subscription if you can. It’s the single best way to ensure this place stays open for another 30 years. It’s cheaper than buying individual tickets anyway.
Go see a show. Bring a friend who thinks they hate theater. Watch them change their mind by the end of Act I. That’s the Harlequin way.