Shakespeare Theatre Company, Lansburgh Theatre
In the late 1980s, the Shakespeare Theatre Company was outgrowing their home and searching for a larger facility with greater intimacy and creative freedom. In response, Theatre Projects and the design team adapted the abandoned flagship location of Lansburgh’s Department Stores and carved out a versatile performance venue and support spaces in the historic 11-story facility.
The 451-seat Lansburgh Theatre is an elegant, single-level drama space surrounded by a tier level, which contributes to the intimacy of this space. The theatre’s horseshoe-shaped seating arrangement was designed to resemble ancient Greek amphitheatres. As an alternative to an orchestra pit, the theatre has a forestage apron with limited trap capability to allow for live music and dance performances. The adaptive reuse of the department store, which was originally opened in 1882, also included luxury apartments and upscale amenities.
- 451-seat drama theatre
