Center Stage (theater)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Center Stage (aka CENTERSTAGE) is the State Theater of Maryland. Founded in 1963 as a regional playhouse, it soon gained acclaim as one of the leading professional theaters in the United States. CENTERSTAGE comprises two separate theaters, the 541-seat Pearlstone and the smaller Head theater, both in Baltimore, Maryland.
Launched in 1963 by an ambitious community drama group, CENTERSTAGE soon became a leader in the regional theater movement, whose goal was to produce first-rate professional theater in communities across America. Along with theaters like The Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Arena Stage in Washington, and Alley Theatre in Houston, CENTERSTAGE changed the way Americans experience serious theater.
In the years since its founding, CENTERSTAGE has not only survived its growing pains—including a potentially disastrous arson fire in 1974—it has become Baltimore's leading professional theater, welcoming more than 100,000 people each season to its award-winning theater in Baltimore's historic Mt. Vernon Cultural District. Fueled by the vision of Irene Lewis, who took over as Artistic Director in the 1991–92 Season, CENTERSTAGE presents a six-play Mainstage Season—as well as First Look, a new play reading series—in two intimate state-of-the-art auditoriums: the 541-seat Pearlstone Theater and the smaller, flexible-configuration Head Theater. CENTERSTAGE attracts the finest actors, directors, and designers from all over the country.
With history and the national press on its side—Time called the theater "an unsung regional of the first rank"—CENTERSTAGE holds fast to its original goal of putting art before commerce. Accordingly, while production quality is high, prices are low. Subscriptions to the full six-play Mainstage season start at $60, and single tickets cost as little as $10. The theater even offers Pay-What-You-Can performances, when theatergoers literally can set their own ticket prices.
In addition to programs for students and teachers, CENTERSTAGE offers a variety of special series designed to enhance the theater-going experience. These programs are just a slice of the broad behind-the-scenes commitments to diversity, community, entrepreneurial spirit, and audience service that support the theater's artistic mission.
Even in periods of economic downturn, CENTERSTAGE has maintained a record of break-even or better operation for 29 consecutive years. Under the leadership of both Lewis and Managing Director Michael Ross, CENTERSTAGE offers smart, bold works and extensive community engagement to ensure its position as Baltimore's preeminent theater company.
