Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
More than 34 years.
What is your primary product or service?
Live theater.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Generic Theater produces unique, live theater fare you won't find anywhere else. We take on plays that, for many reasons, other local theater companies will not. Sometimes the play is too edgy, sometimes its that we secure a regional premiere, and sometimes we produce a new twist on an old classic. "Different" is what we do.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We have one location: Generic Theater downunder Chrysler Hall. We do not have plans to expand at this time.
Provide detailed directions to your location
We are located in downtown Norfolk within the Chrysler Hall building, which is 1 block away from MacArthur Mall. For an aerial view, click here: http://generictheater.org/parking.html
Generic Theater is also unique in that it has two entrances. One is outside at the corner of St. Pauls Boulevard & Charlotte Street. The other is within the Scope/Chrysler Hall parking garage.
PARKING GARAGE ENTRANCE: Directions to Generic Theater down under Chrysler Hall
1) Enter the scope parking garage;
2) Proceed through gate;
3) Stay in the right-hand lane and drive forward, past the Scope box office on the right, and continue forward in the right lane;
4) Note sign that says "Lower Level Parking," note the ramp to the right of the sign, drive down that ramp;
5) At the very bottom end of the ramp turn left at the wall;
6) Drive all the way to a 2nd wall, turn left;
7) Double doors to the theater are to the right.
PLEASE NOTE: Parking in the Scope Garage may not be available during some performances due to Admiral Hockey and other Chrysler events.
UPPER OUTER ENTRANCE: Directions to Generic Theater down under Chrysler Hall
Generic Theater's upper outside entrance is at the intersection of St. Paul's Boulevard & Charlotte Street. Steps lead down into the theater box office lobby.
Alternative Parking:
MacArthur Center - North and South Parking Garages (See Parking Option 1).
St. Paul's Lot - On the corner of St. Paul's Boulevard and Wood Street. The entrance is on Wood Street. The theater is immediately accessible across the street on St. Paul's Boulevard (See Parking Option 2).
York Street Garage - On the corner of Bute and Boush Street. An entrance is available on both streets.
Freemason St. Garage - On the corner of Boush and Freemason Street. The entrance is available on Freemason Street.
These facilites are all within easy walking distance to our entrance on St. Paul's Boulevard. Look for our white banner and follow the steps down to our box office.
All Special Event Parking in Norfolk City Parking Lots is $5.00.
What type of payments do you accept?
Cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover and checks.
Which areas do you service?
We service all of Hampton Roads that is willing to come down to downtown Norfolk to see a performance!
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
The artistic ensemble of Generic Theater run the company and daily operations. The ticket takers, ushers, bookkeepers, and administrative staff are also the actors and production designers. It may be an actor, director, light designer or wardrobe designer taking your ticket or helping you at concessions.
What are your hours of operation?
Hours of operation are 2 hours prior to performances and performance times. The best way to set up services outside those times are to e-mail contact at generictheater dot org. We do not have regular day time business hours. Our staff typically come in between 5:00pm - 11:00pm. Our actors, directors and designers are professionals in a variety of industries that run the theater at night. Again, e-mail through our website for specific inquiries.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
Coming to a show and bringing friends!
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
Art changes the world.