McCarter Theatre

Date of Commission: 1928

Date of Occupancy: 1930

Other Dates in Building's History:

1930: Theater dedication takes place on February 22nd.

1930: First production is "Golden Dog".

1950: With President Goheen's support the University takes over McCarter Theater from the Triangle Club.

1972: University ends direct operation of the theater and the McCarter Theater Company runs the playhouse as a non-profit organization.

1985-86: Renovations by architect, James R. Grieves, include two glass enclosed lobbies for both sides of the building. On the east side office space is created on the lower floor.

1993: Firm of McCarter and English donate $30,000 toward renovations.

Curator's note: According to Stephen Howe, McCarter Theatre Center Stage Supervisor, the renovation in 1985 did not add the glass enclosed lobbies. The 1985 renovation air conditioned the theater, and substantially reworked the seating, ceiling over the audience, and balcony area. It also greatly modernized the sound and lighting systems. It was the renovation in 1991–1992 that added the lobbies, dressing rooms, and offices.

Architect(s): David Kirkpatrick Este Fisher, Class of 1913 ; Parker, Thomas and Rice, Baltimore

Donor(s): Thomas Nesbitt McCarter, Class of 1888 ; Triangle Club

Named for: Thomas Nesbitt McCarter, Class of 1888

Materials: Argillite; Brick; Limestone; Slate; Stone

Function: Classroom

Style: Collegiate Gothic