Performing Arts

A treasured community resource for the State of Connecticut, the Westport Country Playhouse is well-known for its live theater productions. In honor of its 75th Anniversary, the Playhouse embarked on a major restoration of its theater to expand and modernize the original, 200-year old barn to allow year-round programing. This challenging project included the construction of a new enclosure around the original building structure. Improvements to the theater included enhanced sight lines, acoustics, seating, visitor circulation and new mechanical systems. The program also included expanded rehearsal space, dressing rooms, a scheme shop and other ancillary facilities.

Complementing its traditional exhibit programming, the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) hosts a variety of interactive video, film and public programming.  Venues include the 2D and 3D films at the Samuel and Ethel LeFrak Theater, Hayden Big Bang Theater, and Kaufman and Linder Theaters.  The capacity of these spaces range from 100 to over 900 seats.

The New 42nd Street was founded in 1990 by New York City and the State in response to the neglected stretch of urban decay on 42nd Street between Seventh and Eighth Avenues in Times Square.  The organization’s purview includes the management of seven theaters that serve a diverse group of non-profit dance, theater and opera groups, as well as commercial Broadway musicals and plays.

New 42’s new, 84,000 square foot building provides state-of-the-art rehearsal studios, a black box theater and administrative offices.  The complex features column-free studios with sprung floors, tall ceiling heights, ballet barres, floor-to-ceiling mirrors, theatrical lighting and excellent acoustics.  To reflect the vibrant cultural activity within the building, the design highlights movement and light through a largely transparent building and illuminated façade.

The Gerry Foundation – a not-for-profit organization established to help stimulate economic activity and revitalization in Sullivan County, New York – developed the Bethel Woods complex. Located on the original site of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Art Fair, Bethel Woods aims to preserve the historic concert site as a vibrant, cultural destination dedicated to inspiring and educating individuals through the arts and humanities. The lush, 800-acre campus includes a pavilion stage amphitheater, indoor event gallery, museum, conservatory for arts and educational programming and parking facilities.

The new Bethel Woods Center for the Arts represents the portion of the campus focused on providing culturally-rich performances, popular artists and other arts-based programming. The Pavilion Stage amphitheater accommodates seating for 15,000 through a combination of covered seats, lawn seats and outdoor event sheds. The event gallery provides an intimate, 440-seat space for smaller-scale indoor events. Both venues provide generous views of the surrounding natural beauty of the rural landscape.