The Shakespeare Center

[1] The Shakespeare Center's facilities consisted of the main offices of the Riverside Shakespeare Company, costume and set construction and storage rooms, a main lobby (shared with the church), and a theatre in the balcony of the church equipped with lighting and sound amplification.

Within the theatre itself, two wooden towers were constructed to the sides of the audience area for follow spots and, on occasion, musicians.

As Clyde Haberman wrote in The New York Times: The original planked stage of The Shakespeare Center was designed by David Emmons (but was later redesigned by Norbert Kolb, Kevin Lee Allen, and Dorian Vernacchio for specific productions) from platforms donated by the Niederlander organization from the strike of the set of Nicholas Nickleby after its closing performance on Broadway.

On the ground level of the north tower, in what had formerly been the Bridal Room of the church, was established the main office of the Riverside Shakespeare Company.

The Riverside Shakespeare Company share our goals and I hope they will receive generous support and encouragement from you, the public.

Theater at West-Park Presbyterian Church in 1982
Conceptual design for The Shakespeare Center stage, 1982. [ 4 ]
Helen Hayes speaking at the dedication of the Shakespeare Center in 1982
Exterior View of The Shakespeare Center in the West Park Presbyterian Church , 1982.
W. Stuart McDowell and Samuel H. Scripps shortly after the dedication of The Shakespeare Center, 1982.
Riverside Shakespeare Company logo, 1977, as worn by Miss Hayes, above.