In June of 1998, the Theatre raised the curtain on its 36th season in the newest Shakespeare theatre on the East Coast -- the state-of-the-art F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre at Drew University, on the site of the old Bowne Theatre.

Briefly, the new theatre includes three levels (approximately 22,000 square feet), all of which is fully accessible to people with disabilities -- both audiences and Theatre employees alike. There are two entrances to the building, both of which are ramped for people using wheelchairs, and elevators offer access to all public spaces. A second elevator has been installed just off stage left, as well as from the dressing rooms to the stage. A total of six wheelchair positions are available in the theatre, and Braille signage appears throughout the building wherever public signs are posted.

Features of the new house include:

An intimate theatre with 308 seats, excellent sight-lines to the stage and no seat more than 32 feet from the stage A grand lobby, featuring two dramatic walls of glass casting a glow on theatre evenings Exhibition space for artwork from this region's prestigious artists The Sir John Gielgud Green Room for actors State-of-the-art technical features, including full lighting and sound systems and acoustic design Outdoor patio space where patrons relax and socialize before and after performances The intimate Prudential Treehouse, a private lounge suitable for meetings and entertaining patrons, clients and friends

New capabilities on and behind the stage: new floor traps, catwalks, flyspace and wings "The Studio", a new rehearsal space Full accessibility with basement-to-balcony elevators Wheelchair seating in both the orchestra and balcony A backstage lift from dressing rooms to the stage, for actors with physical disabilities An infrared listening system for the hearing impaired

Click here to view the seating chart.