Poplar Pike also has a visiting artists series, which has brought in actors the likes of Kathy Bates and Patrick Stewart. Among the plays at Playhouse on the Square will be the musical Peter Pan, and the offbeat comedy, A Tuna Christmas. This season, Theatre Memphis will feature A Chorus Line, directed by Mitzi Hamilton, who was a member of the original London production. Six other shows will also run during the season, including Moon Over Buffalo and A Christmas Carol. Theatre Memphis, the longest running community theatre company in the area, recently added a successful new children's theatre.
Motion is the only professional modern dance company in Memphis.
It offers classes for all ages and levels and also features originally choreographed productions. Playwright's Forum is a nonprofit organization which introduces new plays that focus on writing, directing, and performing in the black box format. This year's features include Blank Slate and Gift of the Magi. Dealing with controversial issues is one of the goals of the Emerald Theatre Company, while Our Own Voice Theatre Troupe creates dialogue about mental health and an outlet for expression. Memphis Black Repertory Theatre Company enters its third year of performances with a head of steam, featuring five shows from August to May including Shakin' the Mess Outta Misery.