Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre a Draw for the Performing Arts and Conferences   

By Randy Gardner

“The Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre is the live entertainment venue for Arlington County,” according to Leslie Pelzer, the Spectrum’s Facilities Manager.

The Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre and Conference Facility provides the perfect setting for special events within the heart of Arlington, a convenient stone’s throw from the Rosslyn Metro Station (Orange and Blue Lines). Operated by Arlington County’s Cultural Affairs Division, it’s a draw to bring people into Rosslyn, especially because of its location, she noted. About eight County employees run the Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre, including a house manager and technical director. Arlington County holds a long-term lease for the Spectrum with the Charles E. Smith Company.

Situated within the Rosslyn Plaza complex, the 389-seat auditorium-style Spectrum Theatre hosts performing artists, plays, concerts, conferences, and workshops. A special element of the facility, the Lobby Art Gallery, is used for receptions for up to 175 people and small group meetings, making the Spectrum an attractive site for dual-function events. The Gallery display, which changes about every two months, provides a handsome backdrop for any gathering and promotes the works of regional artists.

The Rosslyn Spectrum, along with the Iwo Jima Park and the Gateway Park, will be the site for the World Music Festival this coming September. This prominent event is organized by PLANET ARLINGTON, a project of Arlington County’s Department of Cultural Affairs, with the Festival sponsored by the Rosslyn Business Improvement District. In addition to the Festival, the Rosslyn Spectrum features other PLANET ARLINGTON activities throughout the year, including photo exhibits, lectures, and performances that explore immigration, globalization, and the environment.

Arlingtonians may be surprised to know that the Synetic Theatre calls the Spectrum home for a six-week period during its annual season. “We are happy to have the Synetic Theatre, an avant-garde group, at the Spectrum,” said Pelzer. This group showcases a synthesis of different performing arts, designed to challenge patrons to expand their notion of theatre. This year, the Synetic group presents “Macbeth” and “Animal Farm” at the Spectrum. Its presence at the Spectrum highlights the cultural diversity of Arlington, Pelzer said, along with the World Music Festival.

In addition to being a performing arts venue, the Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre may be rented for corporate events and private affairs. Fully ADA accessible, the facility offers a preparation kitchen, a 25-foot display/serving counter and two staging rooms, equipped with showers and bathrooms for guests, speakers and performers. According to Pelzer, space at the Spectrum is available for daytime meetings and certain evenings and weekends, when not booked for on-going commitments.