VIEWPOINTS – The Play’s Not the Only Thing: Theatergoing in 21st Century America

By drediman
October 14, 2014
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Last weekend, I finally had a chance to explore the game-changing Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. What struck me most about this breathtaking theater complex was its awesomely stubborn insistence that it is much more than just a functional shell for presenting works of theater. Taking their cues from the likes of the National Theatre in London, a number of high profile American theaters like the Guthrie have, in recent years, taken the stance that they play a vital and central role in their respective urban landscapes. As such, theater companies across the country are increasingly becoming aesthetically-stimulating public spaces where lives happen and intersect through extended hours before and after performances, diverse and affordable extra-theater programming (e.g., live music, free events), expanded and architecturally interesting public spaces, and exciting food and drink options. Unlike, say, the unpleasantly claustrophobic and bare-bones experience of attending a show on Broadway, these environments create dynamic, nurturing cocoons for artists, as well as vibrant spaces for audiences to continue the dialogue started in the auditorium. The following theaters have established themselves as pillars of their respective communities by offering patrons much more than just top-notch theater.

GUTHRIE THEATER (MINNEAPOLIS, MN)

Opening of current facility: 2006

Architect: Jean Nouvel

Architectural features: (1) The unmissable cantilevered 178-foot bridge that reaches towards the Mississippi River (referred to as the “Endless Bridge”); (2) The large blue-tinted window which allows the public to overlook one of the building’s many backstage areas; (3) The 9^th floor tower featuring absolutely stunning panoramic views of downtown Minneapolis and the Mississipi (including the majestic St. Anthony Falls); and (4) The seemingly endless escalator that dramatically takes patrons from the ground level to the main lobby on the 4^th floor.

Operating theaters: Three theaters including (1) A 1,100-seat thrust stage theater; (2) A 700-seat proscenium theater; and (3) A 300-seat black box theater.

Dining & drink options: In addition to the marquee Sea Change restaurant (which features a menu focusing on sustainable seafood) on the ground level, there are a handful of cafes and lounges to grab food and/or drinks before or after theatergoing.

Interesting programming: Live music programming for its various auditoriums.

Affordability & outreach: Various theater camps and classes; theater discounts include student, youth, and rush ticketing programs.

ARENA STAGE (WASHINGTON, DC)

Opening of current facility: 2010

Architect: Bing Thom

Architectural features: (1) The massive glass and concrete “case” that encloses the three-theater campus and is topped by one of the largest cantilevered roofs in the world; (2) The wonderfully intimate and sleek Kogod Cradle (designed to nurture new plays and voices), the newest addition to Arena Stage’s theater campus; and (3) The mysteriously twisting hallway that leads to the Kogod Cradle.

Operating theaters: Three theaters including (1) A 680-seat in-the-round theater; (2) A 514-seat modified thrust stage; and (3) A 200-seat proscenium theater.

Dining & drink options: The Catwalk Café offers an inventively curated menu that is inspired by the shows currently playing at Arena Stage.

Interesting programming: Various add-on events, including staged readings.

Affordability & outreach: Various theater camps and classes; theater discounts include student, youth, neighborhood, and rush ticketing programs.

PUBLIC THEATER (NEW YORK, NY)

Opening of current facility: 2012

Architect: Ennead Architects

Architectural features: (1) The stylish new lobby bar which serves drinks and snacks before and after shows; (2) The Library, which serves high-end food and specialty cocktails in a cozy environment well into the night; (3) The newly-minted mezzanine lounge which overlooks the lobby; and (3) The expanded and upgraded steps leading up to the front set of doors.

Operating theaters: Five theaters including (1) A 299-seat proscenium theater; (2) A 275-seat thrust stage theater; (3) A 199-seat black box theater; (4) A 160-seat black box theater; and (5) A 99-seat black box theater.

Dining & drink options: High quality fare at the lobby bar, The Library, and Joe’s Pub.

Interesting programming: The much-loved annual Shakespeare in the Park at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park; nightly cabaret performances and concerts at Joe’s Pub.

Affordability & outreach: Unparalleled programs include free Shakespeare in the Park productions, reasonably-priced Joe’s Pub concerts, the Under the Radar Festival, Public Forum, Public Works, Public Studio, Mobile Shakespeare Unit, and the Emerging Writers Group. There are also discounted rush and student tickets available.

SIGNATURE THEATER (NEW YORK, NY)

Opening of current facility: 2012

Architect: Frank Gehry Architects

Architectural features: Much-expanded and dynamic lobby area, where audiences mingle well before and after performances.

Operating theaters: Three theaters including (1) A 294-seat proscenium theater; (2) A 191-seat proscenium theater; and (3) A 191-seat black box theater.

Dining & drink options: A well-stocked lobby bar serving food and drinks.

Interesting programming: Signature is known for focusing on a single playwright throughout each season. Also, there is occasionally free music performed in the theater lobby.

Affordability & outreach: All initial-run tickets are priced at a mere $25 per ticket.