Creating Community through the Arts

BRINGING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER  A flexible, equitable and sustainable space were all main tenets in envisioning this new replacement Playhouse for the City of West Hollywood. In addition to addressing important operational, technical, and programmatic needs necessary for the arts, our core principle is to create a space which brings people together and celebrates the City’s long history of being an inclusive and vibrant community.

‘COURTING’ THE COMMUNITY  A community forecourt carved out along the main boulevard acts as a neighborhood catalyst with the flexibility to be used as outdoor lobby space for pre- and post-performance congregating. The east wall of the theater folds open to the forecourt, creating one larger performance space, additional seating, or an indoor/outdoor reception hall for community events.

SECOND TO NONE  The second floor terrace serves as an outdoor arcade, passing by the rehearsal space which can open up to become an engaging, second level outdoor stage above the court, or can be closed-off to create a quiet place for practice and retreat. The marquee is conceived as an extension of the lattice screen enclosing the second level, creating a dramatic beacon with site lines up and down Santa Monica Boulevard.