McCarter Theatre Center: A Legacy of Professional Performance in Princeton
Located on the campus of Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey, the McCarter Theatre Center is a prestigious not-for-profit professional company. Since its opening in 1930, it has evolved from a university-affiliated venue into a renowned regional theater and a two-time Tony Award winner, serving as a vital hub for both classic works and groundbreaking new plays.
The center is more than just a venue; it is a cultural institution that bridges the gap between academic surroundings and the professional arts world, engaging approximately 100,000 community members and 6,000 students annually.
Key Facts
- Founded: Opened February 21, 1930.
- Ownership: Owned by Princeton University; operated by the McCarter Theatre Company (incorporated as a nonprofit in 1963).
- Accolades: Two-time Tony Award winner.
- Facilities: Features a main auditorium with a 40-foot proscenium stage and the smaller Roger S. Berlind Theater.
- Location: 91 University Place, Princeton, New Jersey.
A Rich History of Performance
The theater was established as a permanent home for the Princeton University Triangle Club, funded by Thomas N. McCarter (Class of 1888). Its inaugural performance on February 21, 1930, was the 40th annual Triangle show, The Golden Dog. This early production featured future international stars Joshua Logan and James Stewart.
The Pre-Broadway Era
During the 1930s, McCarter became a premier pre-Broadway showcase—a venue where plays are tested before moving to New York City. Its proximity to New York and its large seating capacity made it an ideal location for world premieres. Notable debuts included Thornton Wilder's Our Town, George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart's You Can't Take It With You, and William Inge's Bus Stop.
Musical and Dance Milestones
For five decades, the theater hosted the Princeton University Concerts, welcoming world-class ensembles such as the Philadelphia Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Cleveland Orchestra. The venue also hosted pioneering dance performances, including a 1930 solo by Ruth St. Denis and a 1935 appearance by George Balanchine's American Ballet.
Evolution and Modern Expansion
Following World War II, the industry shifted away from out-of-town try-outs, leading Princeton University to assume responsibility for the building's operating costs in 1950. By 1963, the operation was transferred to the separately incorporated McCarter Theatre Company.
Under various artistic directors, including Emily Mann, the theater shifted its focus toward new works. A significant achievement was the commission and premiere of Christopher Durang's Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, which won the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play. Other successful productions, such as Translations and Radio Golf, later moved to Broadway and earned Tony nominations.
Architectural Growth
To increase its capacity for simultaneous productions, the center underwent major renovations in the 1990s and early 2000s. This resulted in the 2003 completion of the Roger S. Berlind Theater, a smaller second venue designed by architect Hugh Hardy.
Summary of McCarter Theatre Center
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Regional Theater / Not-for-profit |
| Address | 91 University Place, Princeton, NJ |
| Key Facilities | Main Auditorium, Roger S. Berlind Theater |
| Current Leadership | Sarah Rasmussen (Artistic Director), Martin Miller (Executive Director) |
| Affiliations | Princeton University, New Jersey Theatre Alliance |
| Public Transit | Princeton (NJT station) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the McCarter Theatre Center?
The building is owned by Princeton University, while the operations are managed by the McCarter Theatre Company, which was incorporated as a nonprofit in 1963.
What famous plays premiered at McCarter?
Several legendary plays had their world premieres here, including Our Town by Thornton Wilder, You Can't Take It With You by Kaufman and Hart, and Bus Stop by William Inge.
What is the Roger S. Berlind Theater?
Completed in 2003 and designed by Hugh Hardy, the Roger S. Berlind Theater is a smaller second stage adjacent to the main auditorium that allows the company to mount two productions simultaneously.
How can visitors access the theater via public transit?
Visitors can reach the theater using the Princeton New Jersey Transit (NJT) station.
Which Tony Award-winning play was premiered at McCarter?
The theater commissioned and premiered Christopher Durang's Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, which won the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play.