ABOUT
OUR MISSION:
to make nomadic, organic, fantastic live theatrics.
Why a campfire?
A source of warmth, a gathering place, a forge for change, a light in the dark — a campfire is the natural symbol of theatre’s potential.
Why a quorum?
Theatre is only possible with the active presence and participation of its enactors and beholders — its waiting embers and breath of air that ignite upon meeting. This quorum must be met for a story to come alive.
OUR CARDINAL POINTS:
Nomadic
Instead of taking up residence in a traditional venue or even a single town, Campfire Quorum finds a new location for every mounted show. The history and atmosphere of each site informs its production, thus augmenting deeper layers of story while bringing attention to the location’s geographic and cultural significance. Whether indoors or out, in a quiet wood or on a bustling street, the environments of all our chosen “campsites” provide an immersive experience. It’s a dynamic synthesis of place and play.
Organic
In an attempt to divert from the wasteful patterns of the modern theatre industry, Campfire Quorum conceptualizes productions through a minimalist lens, embracing the challenge of imaginatively realizing each play’s world. We make full use of the existing scenery and natural lighting in our environmental settings, and seek out green options when energy or resources are needed. Of the firm belief that high production quality is not mutually exclusive of sustainable practices, we are regularly exploring more ways to advance eco-conscious producing. It’s “leave no trace” theatre.
Fantastic
If there’s a throughline to Campfire Quorum's work, it is the mystical, the whimsical, the mythical. It is reflected not only in our programming, but also in how we realize texts, both metaphoric and mundane, in production. Fantasy illustrates the abstract; makes tangible our steepest dreams and deepest shadows. It allows us to confront the big ideas more simply and clearly. CQ harnesses its playful possibilities when fused with those of theatre. We stoke magic to life.
We believe that the best theatre wields its unique power to portray true stories in imagined settings. That the point isn’t to replicate a kitchen or drawing room or castle, but to tell a story so well you’d think you were in one. By removing the extraneous, Campfire Quorum invites you to see the poetry of life. This medium of make-believe plays well with our three other cardinal points, encompassing the artistic challenges they put forth. We make theatre that’s good at being theatre.
Theatric
CAMPFIRE QUORUM
in the news...
Aug. '22
The Love of the Nightingale Arts Brief in The Provincetown Independent
"This modern retelling of a Greek myth is about the silencing of a wronged woman and the way she breaks the system to get her revenge. Campfire Quorum founder Megan Nussle says that there are larger implications to the play. It shows how people under rigid, oppressive governments could regain their power."
Sept. '21
The Witch review by Bess Rowen in Medium
"The entire ensemble had a wonderful connection and their willingness to jump into the playful nature of gallivanting in the woods was contagious.... And yet it did not rest on the laurels of a perfect setting, instead pushing beyond to a concept that highlighted the censorship — particularly the censorship of women — that still haunts us to this day."
Oct. '21
Interview of CQ founder Megan Nussle with Jeannette de Beauvoir on WOMR's Arts Week
“MN: ...and it’s fun that the topic of the play, of women putting on a show for themselves in the woods, is also what happened in the process of putting on the play. It’s weird, we sort of have tied in—
JB: You’ve got this synergy.
MN: Yeah, that’s exactly what’s happening, and it’s really been enriching for all of us.”
Sept. '21
The Witch feature by Cam Blair in The Provincetown Independent
"In director Megan Nussle’s reimagining, a group of women just disembarked from the Mayflower.... While the men are busy at work in the new world, the women decide to do a different kind of world-building — not the Western colonizer type."
