Lincoln Center Theater to Raise the Roof (Literally) at the Vivian Beaumont

Lincoln Center Theater has announced plans to expand its operations to the roof of the Vivian Beaumont Theater, creating a new 131-seat theater that will house the company’s LCT3 developmental productions. Construction will begin in spring 2010 on a 23,000-square-foot, two-story addition designed by Hugh Hardy. Budgeted at $41 million, the addition will include the new theater, dressing rooms, rehearsal space and office space, plus an outdoor terrace. Completion is anticipated in late 2011 or early 2012.

The new theater will be named the Claire Tow Theater in honor of the wife of LCT board member Leonard Tow, recognizing the Tow Foundation’s leadership support. A Capital Campaign has already raised 90% of the construction cost, with additional funds to be raised during the public phase of the campaign.

This new addition is intended to be LEED Silver certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. It will mark a homecoming for architect Hardy, who early in his career worked on the design of the Vivian Beaumont Theater (and its downstairs companion, the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater) as the assistant to designer Jo Mielziner, who collaborated with architect Eero Saarinen on the original edifice.

Lincoln Center Theater created LCT3 to offer new artists fully staged productions of new plays and musicals. LCT3 not only serves as a nurturing arena for artists to hone their skills but also provides a stepping stone for these artists whom LCT hopes will continue their professional lives at the company's larger venues. All tickets to LCT3 productions are $20.

LCT3 has announced upcoming productions that include Graceland, a new play by Ellen Fairey, directed by Henry Wishcamper (May 3-29); and On the Levee, a play by Marcus Gardley with music and direction by Lear deBessonet and music and lyrics by Todd Almond (June 14-July 10). The series is currently housed at the Duke Theater on 42nd Street.