The Sheen Center artistic director Jessica Bashline and executive director Monsignor Michael F. Hull announced March 17 that the new Center consists of two state-of-the-art theatre spaces (the 250-seat Loretto Auditorium and the 93-seat Black Box), four studios and an art gallery.
The building at 18 Bleecker Street is currently being gut-renovated and refurbished to transform it into a 25,000-square-foot arts center.
The design team for The Sheen Center includes Acheson Doyle Partners (architects) and Harvey Marshall Berling Associates (theatre design). The senior staff also includes producing director Gary Bernstein, general manager Rosemarie Bruno, programming director Nick Leavens and production manager Ben Williams.
"The Sheen Center strives to be a place where dynamic dialogue between artists and audiences can flourish," said executive director Hull in a statement.
"We are excited to become a part of the vibrant arts community in Lower Manhattan, and look forward to being a home for a diverse group of artists," added artistic director Bashline. The Sheen Center, according to press notes, "provides a setting to explore contributions to the human spirit through the performing arts, film, art exhibitions and conferences. It is a physical home for a communion of artists and scholars."
Companies who have already signed on to use The Sheen Center include The New York International Fringe Festival, Strange Sun Theater, |the claque|, Terranova, Wingspan Arts, MorDance and Voyager Theater Company.
The Sheen Center will also house four spacious studios of varying sizes, which will be available for rehearsals, meetings and classes, among others. The Studios at The Sheen Center will be available for rent seven days a week. Art gallery space on the main floor will feature a full rotating schedule of exhibits. It will also be available as a space for intimate receptions.
The Sheen Center is located at 18 Bleecker Street (corner of Bleecker and Elizabeth Streets) and is currently accepting applications for space rentals. For more information, email [email protected] or visit SheenCenter.org.
