We all know that Playhouse on the Square is one of Memphis’ most creatively brilliant organizations. What I recently learned from Irene Crist and Andrew Moore was that when Jackie Nichols formed the company in 1969 it was located in a home-turned-ballet-company near the University of Memphis, and was fueled by little more than passion for its first years of existence.
Fast forward to 2010 and the grand opening of the new Playhouse, a $12.5 million state of the art performance space at Union and Cooper in midtown. The theatre holds 350 and there isn’t a bad seat in the house; in fact, no seat is more than ten rows – or 30 feet – from the stage. In addition to Playhouse performances, the new space will host company activities like their extensive art education program and UPTA Theatre Auditions. The theatre will also be available to groups including Ballet Memphis, Opera Memphis, and the Memphis Symphony Orchestra for more intimate performances.
And that’s still not all: there is a cafe, a rooftop garden, and four gallery spaces that feature artists who contribute to POTS’ annual art auction. Three of the five stories in the adjacent administration building house offices, rehearsal space, dressing rooms, and an expansive costume shop. The top two floors will be available as low cost office space for other nonprofit arts organizations. Far more than a theatre, this is the heart of a creative community.
On a personal note, with Voices of the South‘s new TheatreSouth down the street in First Congo, I’d love to see the evolution of a vibrant cultural arts corridor! What do you think?
But I digress. Read more about the new Playhouse on the Square, and about their exciting 40th season. And if you haven’t yet seen it, here is a brief look at this gorgeous new facility (still in progress but ready for tonight’s grand opening with Pippin!):
A Peek at the New Playhouse on the Square from Elizabeth Lemmonds on Vimeo.
Thanks again to Irene and Andrew for allowing me behind the scenes (and on the catwalk!). I hope to post a lot more about this Memphis treasure!
