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Seaview Acquires Tony Kiser Theatre, Plans to Transform It into Studio Seaview
Seaview, a prominent production company, is set to acquire the historic Tony Kiser Theatre located in New York City’s Theatre District, with the takeover effective January 1, 2025. This 296-seat venue is poised for a complete transformation as it rebrands to Studio Seaview. This initiative represents a significant commitment by Seaview to foster commercial Off-Broadway theater, aiming to create an engaging and innovative environment for both artists and audiences.
For many years, the Tony Kiser Theatre has been integral to New York’s cultural landscape, renowned for its substantial contributions to American theater through iconic productions and the introduction of emerging talent. Previously the home of the Second Stage Theater, the venue has a rich legacy that Seaview intends to honor while also ushering in fresh, bold artistic endeavors for a newer audience.
“Seaview is excited to embark on this new journey,” said Greg Nobile, Co-Founder and CEO of Seaview. “Having worked in the Off-Broadway scene since our inception, we are eager to join the community of theater operators dedicated to delivering bold new works to the city.”
Further emphasizing the vision for Studio Seaview, Nobile remarked, “Our goal is to create an environment that prioritizes both the creative process and the audience’s experience. We envision a space where groundbreaking work can emerge free from conventional constraints—a venue that excites and inspires.”
Nate Koch, Seaview’s Chief Operating Officer, expressed similar sentiments: “We are honored to continue the legacy of the Tony Kiser Theatre, carrying forward the remarkable work produced there over the last 25 years, including contributions from some of the finest writers and artists in the industry. This acquisition enables us to deepen our commitment to the revitalization of Off-Broadway while preserving the historic character of the theater.”
Originally constructed as a bank in 1927, the building was transformed into a performance space in 1999 through the vision of acclaimed architect Rem Koolhaas, who collaborated with Richard Gluckman. The theater has been described as “an oasis” in the bustling Times Square, and under Seaview’s guidance, award-winning designer Scott Pask will oversee the preservation and enhancement of its unique architectural features, ensuring that the bar and entry lobby align with Seaview’s community-driven ethos.
The theater’s infrastructure, which includes ample rehearsal space, dressing rooms, and technical gear, will maintain its seating capacity of 296. This makes Studio Seaview suitable for a wide range of productions, from plays to musicals, allowing for varied and innovative staging possibilities.
Seaview plans to adopt a flexible programming approach at Studio Seaview, scheduling productions individually rather than adhering to a standard season format. This strategy will prioritize inspiring works that engage both artists and audiences, leaning towards an “eventized” Off-Broadway experience.
The inaugural production at Studio Seaview, directed by Sam Gold, is set to open in Spring 2025, with details to be announced soon. Seaview and Gold have previously collaborated on successful productions such as An Enemy of the People and Romeo + Juliet.
“Being in the Off-Broadway space enables us to take creative risks,” Nobile noted. “We are looking forward to programming the theater in ways that challenge conventional theatrical models, offering a platform for work that might not typically find its place on a Broadway stage.”
Additionally, Carol Fishman, the former Managing Director of Second Stage Theater and a pivotal figure in establishing the Tony Kiser Theatre, will join Seaview as General Manager for Studio Seaview. Her involvement is seen as a significant asset, contributing to the vision of a transformative space.
“I am thrilled to collaborate with Seaview on this exciting new project that will support visionary artists and reflect the creativity that Seaview is known for,” Fishman stated. “The opening of the Tony Kiser Theatre was a highlight in my career, and I can’t wait to return to this location to help launch Studio Seaview.”
As Seaview continues to expand its reach across both Broadway and Off-Broadway, their dedication to nurturing new voices and diverse narratives remains at the forefront, garnering respect for pushing the boundaries of theater and captivating adventurous audiences.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com