The Lincoln Center Theater is one of the most notable cultural institutions in New York City. Located on the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts complex, it is one of the 11 resident organizations of the complex. The theater is renowned for its high-quality productions of classic and contemporary works.
History and Mission
The Lincoln Center Theater was founded in 1985, after several failed attempts to establish a repertory theater at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Its mission is to produce a varied program of the highest quality plays and musicals, commission and develop new work, provide education programs that cultivate new audiences, and enhance the theater-going experience for its audiences.
Facilities
The Lincoln Center Theater consists of several stages. The Vivian Beaumont Theater, named after philanthropist Vivian Beaumont Allen, is the main stage. It is a Broadway theatre, and it is unique for its thrust stage that extends into the audience. It is the only Broadway theater that is not located in the Theater District.
The Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater, named after the wife of New York magazine founder Samuel I. Newhouse, is an off-Broadway theater that is situated below the Vivian Beaumont Theater. This venue is known for hosting more experimental and intimate productions.
The Claire Tow Theater, added in 2012, is a smaller space on the roof of the Vivian Beaumont Theater. It is dedicated to presenting the work of new artists and developing audiences.
Productions
The Lincoln Center Theater has been the original home of many award-winning productions. Some of the most successful include revivals of “South Pacific” and “The King and I,” as well as new works like “War Horse” and “Oslo,” which have all won Tony Awards for Best Revival and Best Play respectively.
Education and Outreach
The Lincoln Center Theater also has an active education program, which includes a range of initiatives such as school programs, open rehearsals for seniors, and the Directors Lab, a developmental program for early-career directors. The LCT3 program is specifically dedicated to producing the work of new artists and developing new audiences.
The Lincoln Center Theater continues to be a vital part of New York’s cultural scene, contributing to the city’s vibrant theater community with diverse and quality productions.