Left: Exterior of the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre.

Intimate Apparel opens the new Laura Pels Theatre at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre on 46th Street.

The Structure
The new Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre, which will welcome its inaugural production, Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage in March, will be a state-of-the-art addition to the Roundabout campus. Originally built in 1969 by Emery Roth and Sons, the 46th Street underground space is an excellent example of that period’s architectural style. According to architect Bob Ascione, who helped RTC move into every new home it has had since 1983, the design approach to the building on 46th Street was similar to the Seagram’s Building and the Lever House. “The architects used a technique called curtain wall construction, in which the structure of the building was built behind its outside skin,” he says.

The Renovation
Roundabout signed a long-term lease. Of course, the space needed renovation. No major repairs had been made to it since it was built. The stage level originally shared space with a large scenery shop; now, the scenery shop has made way for dressing rooms and bathrooms for the actors. Beautiful new stone tile in the main entrance lobby enhances the look of the complex, and the new Yegen and Donnalley Lounge provides an intimate pre-theatre space for members of the Chairman's Circle. And the theatre itself? The original auditorium seated 350, which was too small for Roundabout’s needs. Thanks to resourceful architectural solutions, a mezzanine level was added to increase the seating capacity.

The orchestra and mezzanine levels under construction at our new Laura Pels Theatre at the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre.

The Theatres
Through the extraordinary generosity of the Steinbergs and Laura Pels, two new theatres will comprise the Harold and Miriam Steinberg Center for Theatre: the beautiful Laura Pels Theatre, a 425-seat semi-thrust auditorium; and a new 75 seat black box theatre that will be used for education and outreach programming, experimental works, workshops, readings, student productions, and professional development workshops. It was, of course, through the generosity of Laura Pels that RTC's new play initiative was born in 1995. Together, these new theatres will help to serve the Roundabout’s mission and audience even further.

Commenting on the new facility, Artistic Director Todd Haimes said, “It is truly remarkable to me that these two extraordinary supporters of theatre have come together to make it possible for us to continue the work we began back in 1995 with the premieres of new plays by such celebrated writers as Beth Henley, Paula Vogel, Charles Randolph-Wright, Brian Friel, and Harold Pinter. On behalf of our board, staff, and the artists, I most sincerely thank the Trustees of the Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust for their most generous support and Laura Pels for her wonderful loyalty and generosity toward this company as both our board member and great benefactor. The theatre community is lucky to have such extraordinary friends of the American Theatre as these funders.”

Light the Lights
Keep your eyes on West 46th Street for the first step in opening RTC’s new off-Broadway home. On Thursday, February 26th Roundabout will celebrate the marquee lighting with an event to recognize and thank the lead donors and many others who made this spectacular new home possible. Previews for Intimate Apparel begin on March 17th, and it officially opens on April 8th. Be sure to check out the theatre community’s newest off-Broadway gem this spring!

Ted Sod and Roundabout Theatre Company staff contributed to this article.

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