Did you know that the Suzanne Roberts Theatre is more than just a building? It is a testament to Philadelphia’s vibrant arts scene. Here at 480 South Broad Street stands a beacon for new American drama.
The Suzanne Roberts Theatre opened its doors in October 2007. It quickly became the home of the Philadelphia Theatre Company. For over two decades, the company performed at the historic Plays and Players Theatre. They had a cozy 325-seat proscenium theater. However, they wanted better facilities and more audience comfort.
The Philadelphia Theatre Company sought a space that mirrored their artistic vision. They wanted an intimate theater. Audience and actor needed to be in close proximity. Natural voices should be heard clearly. The architecture should be contemporary, elegant, and urbane.
KieranTimberlake designed the Suzanne Roberts Theatre. They are known for their innovative designs. Their challenge was to blend a black box theater’s flexibility with a proscenium stage’s intimacy. The location on the Avenue of the Arts allowed them to achieve their goals. The stage house sits at the block’s quiet center. It rises freely without surrounding construction.
The Suzanne Roberts Theatre’s glass facade stretches over half the block. This offers unprecedented street presence for a regional theater. The transparency invites the public to engage with the theater’s vibrancy. It celebrates theater as both performance art and a civic event.
A sculptural marquee marks the entrance. It serves as a canopy and an insignia for the theater company. The lobby is bright and expansive. It merges the city streets’ texture with the interior. A glass and stainless steel grand stair leads to the mezzanine lobby. There, views of the Avenue of the Arts create a stunning backdrop. From this level, patrons can access the 365-seat main stage.
Inside the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, acoustics are paramount. Glass-reinforced gypsum panels line the walls. They provide optimal acoustics for the natural voice. These panels are hand-stained in deep red tones. Horizontal strips of light add warmth and shadow. The theater is stepped for excellent sight lines. Staggered seats offer optimal views and ample leg room. The proscenium is clad in dark red leather tiles. They are set in a herringbone pattern. It curves to create the sense of looking through a lens.
To combat noise from the subway and parking garage, the stage house and auditorium float. They sit within an independent steel structure. Custom-fabricated rubber pads and a two-inch gap provide isolation. Backstage, the fly gallery soars. It rises two and a half times the proscenium’s height. This allows for rigging scenery, lighting, and props. Ample wing space and a trap room expand the possibilities for actors.
The Suzanne Roberts Theatre is named after Suzanne Roberts. She was a former actress, playwright, and director. She hosted the TV program Seeking Solutions with Suzanne. Her husband, Ralph J. Roberts, founded Comcast.
The Suzanne Roberts Theatre stands as a testament to Philadelphia’s commitment to the arts. Its innovative design and dedication to new American drama make it a cultural gem. It’s a place where stories come to life. The Suzanne Roberts Theatre invites you to experience the magic of theater.