While the term fly-by-night may cause you to think of something that is unstable or disappears rapidly, the Dubuque theater production company that bears that name is anything but transitory. Fly-by-Night Productions (FBNP) recently completed its 43rd season and has plans to continue pushing the artistic envelope in its upcoming season.
The group occupies a niche in the area, providing “theater that starts a conversation.” Self-described as an in-between community theater and professional companies, Fly-By-Night Productions offers shows that examine topics and take risks.
“We want the audience to come and engage, and then we can give them something in return,” said Sunil Malapati, artistic director. “We want people still thinking about it two days later. Our audiences have grown to expect that, and they appreciate us for that.”
FBNP differs from other companies due to the subject matter of its productions.
“We’ve always been called the thinking man’s theater,” said Kay Schroeder, managing director. “There’s usually some social context to our work. Fly-By-Night Productions gives you the opportunity to examine conversations and topics like what the constitution means, women’s rights, or how you feel when you’re stopped by a police officer and you’re innocent.”
The shows are followed by talkbacks where the audience can participate in a conversation about what the play meant to them.
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