ACT Theatre

What secrets hide behind the velvet curtains of ACT Theatre? This very building, ACT Theatre, originally the Eagles Auditorium, has witnessed a dramatic transformation. Let’s unravel the captivating story of this Seattle landmark. ACT Theatre stands on Union Street in the heart of Downtown Seattle. It has a rich history, deeply intertwined with the city’s cultural evolution. Founded in 1965 by Gregory A. Falls, ACT Theatre emerged from a desire to provide Seattle with a theatre focused on contemporary works. Falls, head of the Drama Department at the University of Washington, felt the Seattle Repertory Theatre’s focus on classics left a void. He envisioned ACT as a platform for the avant-garde, a stage for the plays of the moment. The theatre first resided in Queen Anne Hall, a 454-seat thrust-stage theatre near the base of Queen Anne Hill. ACT’s inaugural performance took place there on July 9, 1965, marking the beginning of its journey. The initial seasons were a mix of provocative new works and established plays. They captured the attention of Seattle audiences, cementing ACT’s place in the city’s cultural landscape. In 1976, ACT introduced its annual production of “A Christmas Carol,” adapted by Falls himself. This tradition continues to this day, enchanting generations of Seattleites. In 1996, ACT Theatre embarked on a significant move to its current home at 700 Union Street, the historic Eagles Auditorium. The $30 million renovation transformed the building. It created two mainstage theatre spaces: the Gregory A. Falls Theatre, a thrust stage, and the Allen Theatre, an arena stage. The building also houses the Bullitt Cabaret and the Eagles Apartments. The Allen Theatre, formerly the Eagles Auditorium hall, retains much of its original grandeur. You can still see the gilded balcony, ornate ceiling, and crystal chandeliers. However, the transformation from a proscenium stage to a theatre-in-the-round was a controversial aspect of the renovation. The proscenium stage where Martin Luther King Jr. and the Grateful Dead once performed is now a “painted relic in the background.” ACT Theatre has weathered financial storms and leadership changes throughout its history. Yet, it has remained a vital force in Seattle’s theatre scene. It has presented countless world, American, and West Coast premieres. Many of its productions have even made their way to New York City stages. Today, ACT continues its mission of supporting contemporary voices and nurturing the next generation of theatre makers. Its history reflects the ever-evolving nature of theatre itself. The legacy of Gregory A. Falls lives on in the theatre that bears his name. It stands as a testament to his vision and the enduring power of live performance. As you stand before ACT Theatre, remember the stories whispered within its walls. They echo the voices of countless actors and playwrights. They speak to the ever-changing cultural landscape of Seattle.