Roundabout Theatre Company artistic director Todd Haimes met with members of the press on June 26 at the recently rebuilt American Airlines theatre and announced that the country's second largest nonprofit would soon be gaining control of and opening yet another theatre -- a small, Off Broadway house -- in the near future. Haimes implied that the theatre was in the general vicinity of the theatre district.

The nonprofit artistic director said the house would have less than 500 seats and is not expected to be Tony eligible. Details on this new theatre will be released shortly, Haimes said.

Roundabout will also continue operations at Studio 54, said Haimes, where its successful revival of Cabaret has been running since 1998. Studio 54 was granted Tony eligibility four weeks ago. Further south, Roundabout enjoys an arrangement with the Gramercy Theatre on E. 23 St. Haimes said he expects Roundabout to operate at the Gramercy Theatre "for the next few years."

The Roundabout plans to continue with its existing rehearsal space arrangements, rather than use the recently opened New 42nd St. Studios, which lie just next door to the American Airlines theatre.

"Cora (Cahan, New 42nd St. executive director) asked us if we wanted space, but we really didn't need it," Haimes explained. "The rehearsal spaces we have now are older, but they're also very affordable." Roundabout does have a presence at New 42nd St. Studios, however. Haimes said the nonprofit has some administrative offices there. -- By Murdoch McBride