SEATTLE, Tuesday, November 30, 2010 - Seattle Theatre Group (STG), the non-profit operators of the historic Paramount and Moore Theatres, announced today the signing of a long-term year lease to operate the historic Neptune Theatre, located in Seattle's University District.
STG will operate The Neptune Theatre utilizing the stage and programming live performance with the goal to help fortify the University Business District and provide diverse performing arts to a community outside the downtown core. The venue will close for maintenance and is expected to re-open Spring 2011.
"The core of STG's mission is to make diverse dance, music, film, theatre, and arts education an integral part of our rich cultural identity; by expanding The Neptune's capacity for increased artistic diversity, STG will not only preserve the historic theatre but also increase options for the community to engage with the arts," said Josh LaBelle, STG's Executive Director.
Maintenance projects include:
· Restroom remodel
· Building sprinkler system
· Remove 50% of main floor seating
· Restore historical cosmetic detail
"Obtaining the historic Neptune Theatre provides an opportunity for STG's unique programming vision of combining high quality diverse performing arts with community arts," says Adam Zacks, Senior Programming Director.
Programming at The Neptune Theatre will include:
· Concerts representing a broad spectrum of musical genres
· Film
· Comedy and Speakers
· Fine arts performance
· Community performances and events
· Educational events and workshops
· Free public events
Staying true to the Neptune's tradition of screening cutting-edge and avant-garde film, STG will continue screening film, and will do so by expanding its existing community partnerships with organizations such as Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF).
The future of the University District includes the expansion of Sound Transit's light rail system. "We worked closely with STG during the Central Link construction near The Paramount Theatre and will continue to work with STG and the University District neighborhood as we move forward expanding the region's light rail system," said Sound Transit CEO Joni Earl. "Sound Transit is excited about The Neptune Theatre's future as a cultural destination on the light rail system."
"Teri White and all the folks at Landmark Theatres have been great tenants for many years, but The Neptune could have been another casualty in the declining single-screen theater industry if it weren't for our partnership with Seattle Theatre Group," says Craig Thompson. "My family's theater has been a fixture in the University District since 1921 and expanding the artistic programming beyond film will help keep it a vital part of this community." The corner of 45th and Brooklyn has been family owned since 1919, with The Neptune building built in 1921. "If not for this partnership, we'd be considering numerous non-arts related property uses."
The historic Neptune Theatre opened in 1921 and became the first movie house in the University District. The building survives as one of Seattle's oldest theatres and is currently configured exclusively for the presentation of cinema.
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