ArtsEmerson announces inaugural theatre season

Announces its inaugural season of programming at Paramount, Cutler Majestic, and Black Box theatres, and Bright Family Screening Room

The inaugural season of world-class international theatre programming by ArtsEmerson: The World on Stage was announced June 2 at a press conference at the Paramount Theatre in Boston’s historic Theatre District. ArtsEmerson is the organization established by Emerson College to program the Paramount Theatre, Cutler Majestic Theatre, and other venues at Emerson’s Paramount Center. The announcement was made by Robert J. Orchard, appointed Executive Director of the Arts in October 2009, along with the President of Emerson College, Jacqueline W. Liebergott. The season includes over 100 performances of 17 different productions, including world premieres, Boston debuts and works to be developed in the new facilities created by Emerson College.

Beginning in September 2010, ArtsEmerson will give Boston audiences a new level of cultural choice, bringing professional American and international work to its four distinct venues: the beautifully re-imagined 590-seat Paramount Theatre, a cornerstone in the revitalization of downtown Boston; the versatile, intimate Black Box Theatre, which can seat up to 150 people; the state-of the art 170-seat Bright Family Screening Room (all located within the new Paramount Center); and the beloved, historic 1,186-seat Cutler Majestic Theatre in the heart of the Theatre District, fully restored by Emerson in 2003.

Along with the season announcement, Orchard shared his programming vision, which draws from his decades of work in theatre and Boston, and highlighted the unique production facilities available at the Paramount Center—a new, full scene shop, rehearsal studios, soundstage, and elsewhere at the College’s resident artist apartments. These support spaces will allow for the development of new work, and the establishment of multi-year relationships with some of the world’s most celebrated makers of theatre. According to Orchard, “We’ve grouped these artists into two programming streams: legends and pioneers. Legends are established, highly-regarded companies and artists whose work is celebrated around the world, such as The Abbey Theatre, The New York Theatre Workshop, Peter Brook, Tectonic Theater Project, and F. Murray Abraham, among others. Pioneers include a new generation of artists whose ideas are redefining theatre, such as Elevator Repair Service, 7 Fingers, Rude Mechs, and Basil Twist. We will also host a wide variety of performances for people of all ages. Some of these works will be developed at the Paramount Center for Boston audiences and travel the world. This is truly an exciting time to be a theatre fan in Boston.”

“Rob Orchard’s vision and enthusiasm, as well as his connections with a wide-range of theatre productions worldwide, is reflected in the programming for the inaugural season of the Paramount Center,” said Liebergott. “The vibrant line-up of productions will add a new dimension to the cultural vitality of Boston and the city’s reputation as an internationally recognized leader in the arts.”

One-year memberships to ArtsEmerson are now being offered at $60. Members get one free ticket, substantial discounts, access to tickets before they go on sale to the general public, and standby seating upgrades. Members will also receive special access to residencies and workshops, designed to offer audiences insights into works in development, and the opportunity to provide feedback. According to Director of External Affairs Ruth Davidson, “Our goal is to create an ArtsEmerson community of patrons, who engage with the work, the artists and even each other over time. This is a new approach for Boston, and we’re excited about the possibilities. Rob’s multi-year commitment to many artists will allow for long-term relationships between creators and audience.”

Tickets for booking period one (performances through the end of 2010) are available to members now, and on sale to the general public July 26. Tickets for booking period two (January—May 2011) are available to members beginning October 1, and on sale to the general public November 1. In addition, ArtsEmerson offers specially-selected member packages, including All for Fall (six projects starting at $199), Family Pack, Pioneer Pack, and Legends Pack. For details about membership and tickets, visit www.artsemerson.org or call 617-824-8000. Packages are designed to give audiences flexibility in designing their own season.