Mugar Center for the Performing Arts
Weston, Mass.
Leers Weinzapfel Associates Architects

Multiple performance areas provide versatile setting for practicing the performing arts

Courtesy of Leers Weinzapfel

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This new performing arts center provides a flexible setting for rehearsal and performance of music, drama, and dance education in a campus environment. It includes a 250-seat experimental theater which can accommodate audiences from 150 to 300, an intimate 75-person multi-use recital and dance hall space, and a small black box theater. Music classrooms, practice rooms, costume shops, dressing areas, theater control rooms and backstage workspaces are included with related faculty offices and support areas.

Forming the main entry on the quad is a daylit multi-level reception lobby. The grand stair cascades down through the building, following the natural slope of the land. With theater and performance wings to either side, the linear reception lobby functions as a unifying element or "spine," providing access to the lower floors and spectacular views from each level of the landscape beyond.

The theater's upper lobby forms a backdrop and access to an outdoor stage terrace and natural amphitheater. The main level also includes a spacious music recital and dance performance room, music practice rooms, a rehearsal lab, and a music theory room. The middle level houses a costume room, lockers, a theater office and the backstage. The lowest level includes the black box theater for more intimate performances and for teaching stagecraft and lighting.

Formal name of building:
Mugar Center for the Performing Arts

Location:
Weston, Mass.

Gross square footage:
20,000 sf

Total construction cost:
$ 3.6 million

Owner:
Cambridge School of Weston

Architect's firm:
Leers Weinzapfel Associates Architects
280 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02210
617.423.5711
617.482.7257 fax