Signature Theatre Leaves “the Garage”

The new $16 million building, featuring a 349-seat MAX Theatre and 99-seat ARK Theatre, includes three rehearsal rooms, and on-site scenery and costume shops. The two new black-box theatres offer cutting-edge acoustic sound and flexible seating that will allow the company to present a full range of performing arts.

The Theatre revealed its new home to the public at an extended open house on January 13 and 14. Offering free performances, master classes, family activities and backstage tours to enthusiastic crowds, the Signature Theatre kicked off its 2007 play schedule in its new digs with a preview of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods on that Sunday evening.

The new facility boasts 48,000 square feet compared to the cramped 12,000 square feet of the garage. With the added space, the Signature Theatre can sponsor educational classes and community events, something not possible at the old garage facility. And it will practically double performances of plays, musicals, and arts presentation. In addition, the Signature will now offer matinees on Saturdays and Sundays.

“The new facility will allow Signature to continue its leading role in developing new works for the American stage,” said Eric Schaeffer, Artistic Director. “The possibilities are endless as we embark on this new phase of Signature.”

The new Signature Theatre, anchoring Shirlington’s shopping and dining district, is the product of a unique partnership with Arlington County. In fact, the ground floor is occupied mainly by the county public library. Arlington County built the shell of the building, investing $5.5 million into the project. Signature raised the remainder to build and equip the interior space on the second, third and fourth floors (not to mention the box office on the first floor). The capital campaign for the new Signature Theatre drew on the philanthropic forces of prominent individuals, foundations and corporations, including patrons of the Kennedy Center.

The stunning glass-facade building is the new focal point for the revitalized village of Shirlington, tucked within Arlington along Interstate 395.

“Signature presence here will seal Shirlington’s reputation as a destination spot for the entire metropolitan region,” said Chris Zimmerman, Chairman of the Arlington County Board. “We are proud that Arlington incubated this theatre, helped it grow, and now has partnered with Signature on its wonderful new home that showcases Arlington’s commitment to the arts,” Zimmerman added.

Signature Theatre, known for its presentation of works by Stephen Sondheim, hailed American composer of West Side Story and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, has received 50 Helen Hayes Awards, the local equivalent of the Tony Award. It prides itself on Broadway-quality productions, usually with live orchestras and unamplified performers.