"Straw hat circuits" refer to a term primarily used in the entertainment industry, particularly in theater and show business. It denotes a network of small, usually outdoor, theaters and performance venues located in rural or non-urban areas.
The coined term "straw hat circuits" is derived from the traditional image of actors or performers wearing straw hats during summer performances in open-air theaters. These circuits gained popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when theater companies started organizing tours to reach audiences beyond metropolitan areas. This stretch of theaters typically covers small towns, agricultural regions, or suburban communities where larger, permanent theaters may not exist.
The concept behind straw hat circuits is to bring professional entertainment shows to these rural areas, allowing local communities to enjoy live performances without traveling long distances to major cities. These circuits often feature a diverse range of shows, encompassing various genres like musicals, comedies, dramas, magic acts, and vaudeville performances.
Although the exact locations and number of theaters in the straw hat circuits can vary, they are generally characterized by their modest size, simplistic set designs, and a focus on audience engagement. These theaters may have limited seating capacity and lack extensive technical equipment or high-end facilities found in larger theaters and venues.
Today, the term "straw hat circuits" may also be used metaphorically to describe any informal network or tour of small-scale entertainment venues, especially in the early stages of an artist's career. It implies performing in lesser-known, local venues to build a following and gain experience before progressing to larger, more mainstream stages.
