The One Reel Vaudeville Show
It started with six actors, a 1931 Model A truck with a fold-down stage, a few basic props and costumes, and a passion for transforming public spaces into extraordinary events.
The year was 1972.
50 years later, One Reel has produced a dazzling array of educational, cultural and artistic events that have enriched the lives of Seattle's citizens and visitors
Today, One Reel remains an instrumental contributor to the artistic landscape of the Seattle community. We produce events that allow audiences to connect with diverse and progressive arts and cultural ideas, through unique opportunities that would otherwise not exist.
As a non-profit (5013c) organization, all events produced by One Reel — are guided by our mission to fuel Seattle's civic pride through signature experiences that foster growth and development in our community and the arts.
From annual events to one-off's — our objective remain the same: To increase participation and opportunities for artists and audiences from all backgrounds, and to leave a lasting cultural legacy for the future.
While many of the events produced by One Reel are thought of as iconic and defining of our city, it is ultimately Seattle that guides and defines our work. While One Reel exists to light up the Northwest with the best, most interesting and unique events imaginable, the experiences we produce are emblematic of Seattle values: arts, accessibility and inclusivity.
A lot has change over the last 50 years… but one aspect of our business has remained remained consistent:
One Reel's projects are propelled by deep and meaningful community partnerships with arts and civic organizations.
This commitment has proven to be essential to both our success and longevity.
Of course, we couldn’t have survived all these years without a little help. One Reel is grateful to current and past staff, board members and volunteers for their contributions, hard work and support. A special thanks to former One Reeler and Founder, Normann Langill, for making a lasting and positive impact on our region's cultural landscape.
OUR PRODUCING HISTORY
PublicDisplay.ART 2021 - ongoing
COVID House of Horrors 2020 (public)
Creativity vs. Adversity 2020 (online)
Pianos In The Parks 2016 - 2019, 2021
Bumbershoot 1972 - 2019
Career Days (Music, Film, Literature & Art), 2012-2019
Family 4th at Lake Union, 1992–2012
Teatro ZinZanni, 1998–2011
Emerald City Search, 2010–2012
Summer Nights Concert Series, 1991 – 2005
The Boeing Dreamliner Arts Festival, 2005
US Tour of Shochiku’s Grand Kabuki Theatre, 1990, 2005
WOMAD USA, 1998–2000
Seattle Art Museum’s Black & White Ball, 1996, 1998, 2000
Jammin’ Arts Fest, 1998
Experience Hendrix Project, 1997
The Jimi Hendrix Electric Guitar Festival, 1995
LoDo Music Festival, 1993–2004 (co-produced)
Goodwill Arts Festival, 1990
And we are still going!
While we don’t know what the next 50 years has in store for One Reel, we do know what’s coming around the bend and it’s a doozy.
(stay tuned!)