New Argyros Stage Opens at South Coast Repertory Theatre

January 5, 2003

Theatre Projects Consultants' string of exciting and innovative performing arts venues opening throughout the country in the last year continues with the Julianne Argyros Stage located in the Folino Arts Center, Costa Mesa, California. The new 336-seat theatre and education center opened in October of 2002. The Argyros Stage expands the current home for South Coast Repertory Theatre (SCR) to three performance spaces which will further allow them to tailor their plays to the proper space and explore new works in imaginative ways.

The Los Angeles Times commented, "Of even more importance to South Coast veterans, the Argyros is a triumph. With 336 seats, none more than 39 feet from the stage, it retains a cozy warmth and old-fashioned elegance that are in contrast to the cool, sleek lines of the building's new entrance. We shouldn't dwell on the future, but it certainly looks promising at the Argyros."

Theatre Projects Consultants assisted Cesar Pelli and Associates Architects, and worked closely with David Emmes (Producing Artistic Director), Martin Bensen (Artistic Director) and their staff to produce a theatre that would be more traditional and intimate than their 500-seat Segerstrom stage.

Benton Delinger, TPC project manager explains, "Martin and David were adamant that they didn't need a bigger theatre -- they wanted a theatre that would allow their audiences a better way to relate to some of the plays that are being created and produced at SCR. This theatre has been designed to allow strong connections between the audience and the actor and among audience members."

"SCR has a national reputation for creating new works," adds Delinger, "and it is important these works be supported in such a way that allows them to resonate with an audience. The Argyros allows for all of the necessary technical support while maintaining an atmosphere that allows the audience to participate in these intimate moments."

TPC provided design for the following: Room concepts, theatre layouts, performance rigging and lighting, stage platforms, drapery, lighting control, performance sound.