Irvine Barclay Theatre

Irvine Barclay Theatre is a 750-seat performing arts center located on the campus of University of California, Irvine, near the San Joaquin Hills and Newport Beach. The theatre was established in 1990 with the support of Irvine Company, Chancellor Jack Peltason, and other prominent Orange County leaders, including Donald Bren and Henry T. Nicholas III. As a major cultural institution in Orange County, California, it hosts a wide range of performances, from Broadway shows to jazz concerts, featuring artists such as Wynton Marsalis and Herbie Hancock. The theatre is also a popular venue for events and lectures, including appearances by Nobel Prize winners like Amartya Sen and James Watson.

● History

The history of the theatre dates back to the 1980s, when University of California, Irvine began planning for a new performing arts center, with input from Arts Orange County and other local organizations, such as the Orange County Performing Arts Center and the Laguna Playhouse. The theatre was named after Irvine Barclay, a former Irvine Company executive, in recognition of his contributions to the arts in Orange County. The theatre's opening season in 1990 featured performances by the Joffrey Ballet, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and other renowned companies, including the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Moscow Ballet. Over the years, the theatre has hosted a diverse range of performers, including Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, and Plácido Domingo, as well as UC Irvine faculty members like William Bolcom and Nicole Mitchell.

● Architecture

The theatre's design was led by the architectural firm Pfeiffer Partners, in collaboration with acoustician Russell Johnson, who also worked on the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas and the Benaroya Hall in Seattle. The building features a unique design, with a curvilinear shape and a glass façade, inspired by the works of Frank Lloyd Wright and Eero Saarinen. The theatre's interior is equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, designed by Meyer Sound and Vari-Lite, respectively, and features a proscenium arch stage, similar to those found at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City and the Royal Opera House in London. The theatre's design has received numerous awards, including the American Institute of Architects' Honor Award, and has been recognized by organizations like the National Endowment for the Arts and the California Arts Council.

● Performance and Events

The theatre presents a wide range of performances, including music concerts, theater productions, and dance performances, featuring companies like the New York City Ballet and the Martha Graham Dance Company. The theatre has hosted numerous Broadway shows, including The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables, as well as off-Broadway productions like Rent and Avenue Q. The theatre also hosts events and lectures, including appearances by authors like Michael Chabon and Alice Walker, and politicians like Al Gore and Condoleezza Rice. The theatre has also partnered with other organizations, such as the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and the Pacific Symphony, to present concerts and events, including performances by Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

● Education and Outreach

The theatre offers a range of educational programs, including workshops and masterclasses, led by artists like Savion Glover and Twyla Tharp. The theatre also partners with local schools and organizations, such as the Irvine Unified School District and the Orange County Department of Education, to provide arts education programs for students, including the National Endowment for the Arts' Arts in Education program. The theatre's outreach programs aim to promote diversity and inclusion in the arts, and have been recognized by organizations like the National Association of Latino Arts and Culture and the Asian Americans Advancing Justice. The theatre also offers internships and fellowships for students and emerging artists, in partnership with organizations like the Kennedy Center and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

● Facilities and Operations

The theatre is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a stage with a fly loft and a trap room, similar to those found at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis and the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago. The theatre also features a rehearsal room and a green room, as well as dressing rooms and wardrobe facilities, designed by Theatrical Wardrobe and Costume World. The theatre is operated by a team of experienced theater professionals, including a general manager and a production manager, who have worked at venues like the Hollywood Bowl and the Greek Theatre. The theatre is also supported by a board of directors, which includes leaders from the arts and business communities, such as Paul Allen and David Geffen. The theatre's operations are also guided by its strategic plan, which is developed in consultation with organizations like the Theatre Communications Group and the League of American Theatres and Producers. Category:Theatres in California