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CSU and Cleveland Play House prepare to move to Allen Theatre

BY DANIEL CIKA
COM 225 REPORTER

The Cleveland Play House is moving forward with its plans to move to a renovated Allen Theatre at Playhouse Square, along with its new partners, the CSU Dramatic Arts and Dance departments.

Lisa Craig, public relations manager for the Cleveland Play House, said, “We intend to proceed with the project, while actively marketing our building and property for sale.”

Craig said the Cleveland Play House has already started negotiating a sale of its current facility, west of University Circle. It is unknown who will purchase the property, or what there intentions might be when the remaining scheduled seasons are done. The sale of that property is a key component for financing its participation in this project, alongside a modest capitol campaign, according to Craig. The Cleveland Play House is negotiating with the Cleveland Clinic, but other options and proposals are still open.
CSU will join the Cleveland Play House and Playhouse Square to share capital and operating costs.

The Cleveland Play House en-visions positioning the Allen as a top-tier contemporary theatre, looking toward another 100 years of service to greater Cleveland. Having the chance to create a new home with partners like CSU and Playhouse Square is an excellent opportunity, Craig said.

The Play House will offer a Mainstage season, a Theatre for Children series and a range of education programs at the Allen, as it has for more than 90 years.

Craig believes the new space will provide flexibility to complement mainstage productions with innovative programming.

Craig said she believes that conducting the program in a busy theatre district alongside the CSU program of Dramatic arts and dance, Playhouse Square’s Broadway Series, and resident company programming will greatly enhance the experience for students.

Craig said that CSU and the Play House will share the performance venues, rehearsal halls, and technical areas.

Administration offices will be separate. Both the Cleveland Play House and CSU will continue to operate as independent entities, but will seek out projects and partnerships where such activity enables them to better fulfill their respective missions.

The Case/MFA graduate pro-gram housed at the current facility also will move its operations.

The new three-venue space will serve as the permanent home for both parties. The 550-seat mainstage, a 350-seat second stage and the 175-seat black box are targeted for a September 2011 opening night. The Play House will perform at its current facility for two more seasons.

Cleveland Stater Reporter Jonathan D. Herzberger contributed to this piece.