Roundabout Theatre Company

Roundabout Theatre Company
Name	Roundabout Theatre Company
Formation	1965
Type	Non-profit theatre company
Location	New York City, New York, U.S.
Key people	Todd Haimes (Artistic Director/CEO, 1983–2023), Scott Ellis, Harold Wolpert

Roundabout Theatre Company. Founded in 1965 by director Gene Feist and actress Elizabeth Owens, it is one of the largest non-profit theatre companies in the United States, renowned for its revivals of classic plays and musicals alongside new works. With a mission to produce timeless theatre of the highest quality, it operates multiple stages in New York City, including its flagship at Studio 54. The organization has been a significant force in American theatre, earning numerous Tony Awards and launching celebrated careers.

History

The company was established in a converted Chelsea supermarket basement, initially focusing on intimate revivals of works by playwrights like George Bernard Shaw and Noël Coward. Financial struggles in the 1970s nearly forced its closure, but a pivotal move to the Union Square Theatre in 1979 and the subsequent leadership of Todd Haimes in 1983 stabilized its finances and artistic vision. A major expansion occurred in 1991 with the renovation and occupancy of the historic Criterion Center on Broadway, followed by the acquisition of the Selwyn Theatre, renamed the American Airlines Theatre, in 2000. The company further solidified its presence by taking over the legendary Studio 54 venue in 2003, transforming it into a Broadway house.

Productions

Roundabout is celebrated for its acclaimed revivals, such as the 1998 production of Cabaret starring Alan Cumming and Natasha Richardson, which won four Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Musical. Other landmark productions include the 2004 revival of Stephen Sondheim's Assassins, the 2008 staging of The Marriage of Figaro featuring a new translation by Richard Nelson, and the 2014 revival of The Real Thing starring Ewan McGregor. It has also produced significant new works, including the premiere of The Humans by Stephen Karam, which transferred to Broadway and won the 2016 Tony Award for Best Play.

Leadership and artistic direction

Todd Haimes served as Artistic Director and CEO for four decades until his death in 2023, guiding the company's growth and artistic identity. Under his tenure, key artistic associates like director Scott Ellis and playwright Stephen Karam have been integral. The artistic leadership team has included notable figures such as director Mark Brokaw and literary manager Jill Rafson. Following Haimes's passing, the company's leadership transitioned to a collaborative model involving longtime producing director Harold Wolpert and artistic directors including Ellis, ensuring continuity of its mission-driven approach.

Education and community programs

Roundabout's education arm, Roundabout Theatre Company Education, engages over 15,000 students and teachers annually through initiatives like Theatrical Teaching Partnerships with New York City public schools. Its Theatre for a New Audience-style programs include the Student Production Workshop, where teens mount full productions, and the Writing for Performance program. The company also offers extensive access programs, including discounted tickets through HIPTIX for young audiences and partnerships with organizations like The Actors Fund to serve diverse communities.

Venues

The company operates three permanent venues in Midtown Manhattan. The American Airlines Theatre on West 42nd Street is a 740-seat Broadway house dedicated to classic play revivals. The Stephen Sondheim Theatre, located on West 43rd Street, is a 1,055-seat Broadway venue hosting larger musical productions. Its most famous stage is Studio 54 on West 54th Street, a 1,006-seat Broadway theatre known for immersive productions like Cabaret. These venues anchor its presence within the Broadway theatre district.

Awards and recognition

Roundabout has received widespread critical acclaim, earning over 35 Tony Awards, including special awards for outstanding regional theatre and excellence. Its production of Cabaret won four Tonys in 1998, while revivals like The Real Thing and A View from the Bridge have won top honors. The company has also been recognized with multiple Drama Desk Awards, Outer Critics Circle Awards, and Lucille Lortel Awards for its off-Broadway work. In 2022, it received a special Obie Award for its sustained contribution to New York theatre.

Category:Theatre companies in New York City Category:1965 establishments in New York (state)