It is hard to imagine that something as mundane as seating can play a major role in theater stagecraft. But seating is an essential element of all theater. In early Athens (6th century BCE), patrons sat on hillsides in seats made of stone to view the latest Greek drama play out on a circular stage below. Thankfully, theater seating has evolved over the centuries to accommodate modern audiences and varying types of performances, with more comfortable seats and flexible seating arrangements.
Remarkably, the New Center for the Arts has come up with an ingenious plan that enables the seating to be specifically configured for each type of performance. The new seating plan has the capacity to transform into a small intimate club, a banquet room, or a full-scale concert or dance hall. Designed to optimize the space, the expanded Center seating is retractable and can be easily rearranged for diverse types of shows, from cabaret-style performances to large dance troupes, dance concerts, and orchestras. This innovative seating plan includes:
- More seats, from 314 to 492 seats—178 more seats.
- Retractable seating that will reconfigure the space to fit the performance.
- Cabaret seating for 240.
- Banquet seating for 260.
- Removable seats that will create dance floor space for 725.
- Comfortable seats with wooden ergonomic armrests.
- Seats are still available for personal naming in the Take a Seat Campaign. Have your name permanently engraved on a plaque on a theater seat for all patrons to see.
Name your seat for yourself or a friend for a $1,000 donation before July 31, 2019 to have your name ready for the opening of the theater. Seats are assigned on a first come, first serve basis.
In addition to naming a seat, you can support the theater by becoming a member. As a Next Stage Crew member, your three-year annual donation of $250 will help craft an enchanting space where stories are told, music enthralls, actors beguile, and dancers amaze.
For more information, contact Membership Associate, Jason Patton at 530.274.8384 x202.
