The Jerome Robbins Theater will be a beacon for audiences and creators of innovative music, dance, theater, and multimedia work

BAC’s next phase of growth will be the transformation of the existing 299-seat theater in the performing arts complex into the state-of-the-art Jerome Robbins Theater. The theater will serve as an organic extension of the existing center, featuring uniquely forward-looking programming for New Yorkers, and including artist-centered activity that fosters creative exploration.

Housed within BAC, the intimate, proscenium-style theater will be fully outfitted for programming ranging from dance, theater, and music to multimedia work.

The Wooster Group

The renowned Wooster Group will become BAC’s resident theater company, creating and performing work in the Jerome Robbins Theater for three months each year. Other programming will flow from BAC’s current activities, with presentations featuring multi-disciplinary work, emerging talent, and international artists. BAC will also launch programs such as production residencies to enhance existing services to the artistic community.

Orchestra of St. Luke’s
The DiMenna Center for Classical Music

Concurrent with the Center’s expansion is an exciting initiative taken on by one of New York’s great cultural institutions: The illustrious Orchestra of St. Luke’s (OSL) will purchase and convert the first two levels of the building into its new home and a much-needed rehearsal, recording, and education facility—thereby transforming the entire building into a dynamic gathering place that supports and presents art of the highest standard. It was Victor Elmaleh, Mikhail Baryshnikov’s longtime friend and an OSL trustee, who was instrumental in finding and securing the location for the Center, which is to be named The DiMenna Center for Classical Music in honor of a leadership gift from Joe and Diana DiMenna.

Building The Future of
Baryshnikov Arts Center

The Baryshnikov Arts Center is thrilled to be expanding at a time when artists and audiences alike are in greatest need of a facility that seeks to nurture creative experimentation, give emerging and international artists a voice in New York, and encourage a love for the arts with affordable presentations of distinguished creators and performers from around the world.

BAC invites you to join us in the efforts to fund the theater renovation, scheduled to begin in 2009, and the establishment of a programming endowment that will ensure the implementation of the vision set forth by artistic director Mikhail Baryshnikov.

The acquisition of the theater is made possible by a leadership gift of $2.5 million from the Jerome Robbins Foundation. The Jerome Robbins Theater will be so named in recognition of this gift and in honor of Mr. Robbins’s lifelong commitment to the performing arts. Additional major support for the theater acquisition is provided by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the Arison Arts Foundation, the Howard Gilman Foundation, and several generous individuals.