Shakespeare Theatre's Harman Hall Set for Oct. '07 Debut

A new Washington, D.C. performing arts facility is being developed by the Shakespeare Theatre, according to Variety.

The 776-seat Sidney Harman Hall, named after the venue's main benefactor and set for an unveiling in October of 2007, "will enable the classical theater troupe to expand its offerings dramatically and showcase various acts." Artistic director Michael Kahn reportedly plans to present three plays in repertory each season, with the shows alternating between the new $85 million Harman Hall and the long-established, 450-seat Lansburgh Theatre.

The new venue, which will be housed in a building across the street from the Verizon Center and one block from the Lansburgh Theatre, will be adaptable to proscenium, thrust, semi-arena or bare-stage productions. When Harman Hall is completed, the two theatres will be known as the Harman Center for the Arts. The new theatre would be a showcase for music and dance, as well as theatre. The 11-story building in which it will be constructed is co-owned by the Shakespeare Theater and the Intl. Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers.

Harman Hall will allow the Shakespeare Theatre to commission new translations and adaptations of classic plays, according to the industry publication.

A.J. Diamond of Diamond & Schmitt Architects in Toronto is Harman Hall's architect.  Although Harman and his family will have donated multi-millions of dollars, $30 million more remains to be raised for the project. 

The Shakespeare Theatre, regarded as one of the preeminent classical theatres in the country, is currently presenting Love's Labour's Lost through July 30th.

Visit www.shakespearetheatre.org for more information.