Seattle Repertory Theatre facts for kids

Seattle Rep, also known as the Seattle Repertory Theatre, is a big theater in Seattle, Washington. It's located at the Seattle Center, a fun place with lots of attractions. This theater company started in 1963. Right now, its artistic leader is Dámaso Rodríguez, and Jeffrey Herrmann is the managing director.

The Story of Seattle Rep

The courtyard of the Seattle Playhouse in 2009. This building was once home to Seattle Rep.

Seattle Rep's first home was the Seattle Playhouse. This building was part of the grounds for the 1962 Century 21 Exposition, also known as Seattle's 1962 World's Fair. The building was later updated in 1987 and became home to the Intiman Theatre.

A famous actor named Hal Holbrook performed at the Playhouse during the World's Fair. People believe he suggested that the building would be a great place for a repertory theater company. A repertory theater performs many different plays.

A Seattle businessman and arts supporter named Bagley Wright helped raise money. He and others also found leaders to start what became Seattle Repertory Theatre. Stuart Vaughan was the first artistic director. In 1990, Seattle Rep won a special award called the Regional Theatre Tony Award. This award recognizes excellent theater companies across the country.

Students learning about theater through the "Bringing Theatre into the Classroom" program.

The Stages at Seattle Rep

Seattle Rep has different stages where they put on plays. Each stage offers a unique experience for the audience.

Bagley Wright Theater

The balcony of the Bagley Wright Theatre during a festival in 2008.

The Bagley Wright Theater opened on October 13, 1983. It is named after Bagley Wright, who was a very important supporter of Seattle Rep. The first play performed here was The Ballad of Soapy Smith. Many talented Seattle actors were in this play.

This theater has a proscenium stage. This means the audience sits in front of the stage, looking through a "picture frame" opening. The Bagley Wright Theater can seat 678 people. The stage is about 65 feet (20 meters) from the very last row of seats.

Leo K. Theater

The Leo Kreielsheimer Theater, often called the "Leo K.," opened in December 1996. It is Seattle Rep's second stage. This theater was built thanks to generous gifts from The Kreielsheimer Foundation and Marsha S. Glazer.

The Leo K. Theater has 282 seats in total. There are 192 seats on the main floor, including special loge seats. An additional 90 seats are in the balcony and box areas. The stage is about 25 feet (7.6 meters) from the back wall. There are also 5 spots for wheelchairs.

PONCHO Forum

The PONCHO Forum is another space at Seattle Rep. It can hold 133 people. The seating here is set up for general admission, meaning you can choose your seat when you arrive. It has stadium seating, where rows are raised higher than the ones in front.