McCarter Theatre Center | Princeton

McCarter Theatre Center is a renowned nonprofit performing arts venue located in Princeton, New Jersey, on the campus of Princeton University. Founded in 1930, it has become one of the most prestigious regional theaters in the United States, known for its dedication to artistic excellence, innovation, and community involvement.

Historical Background

The theater was established through a generous gift from Thomas N. McCarter, a Princeton alumnus from the class of 1888, who donated $250,000 to build a permanent home for the Princeton University Triangle Club, a theatrical troupe composed of students. The building was designed by architect D.K. Este Fisher Jr. and officially opened its doors on February 21, 1930. The inaugural production was the Triangle Club’s annual musical, The Golden Dog. Over the decades, McCarter Theatre has been the birthplace of several important American plays and world premieres, including Thornton Wilder’s classic Our Town, George Kaufman and Moss Hart’s You Can’t Take It with You, and William Inge’s Bus Stop. These premieres helped establish McCarter’s reputation as a cradle of American theater.

Artistic Leadership and Evolution

In 1963, McCarter Theatre Company was incorporated as an independent nonprofit organization, which marked a significant evolution in its mission and operations. The theater has been led by visionary artistic directors who expanded its reach and artistic ambition. From 1990 to 2020, Emily Mann served as the Artistic Director, a period during which McCarter became synonymous with daring new works and innovative adaptations of classics. Under Mann’s leadership, the theater produced numerous world premieres, including Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang, which went on to win the Tony Award for Best Play in 2013. Currently, the theater is co-led by Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen and Executive Director Martin Miller, who continue to foster a diverse programming slate that includes theater, music, dance, spoken word, and educational initiatives.

Facilities and Venues

McCarter Theatre Center encompasses three main performance spaces, each designed to accommodate different types of productions and audience experiences:

Matthews Theatre: This is the largest venue within the center, seating approximately 1,100 people. It features a traditional proscenium stage equipped with a full fly tower and automated rigging system, allowing for elaborate set designs and technical productions. Matthews Theatre has been the centerpiece of McCarter since its opening in 1930.

Berlind Theatre: Opened in 2003, the Berlind Theatre offers a more intimate and flexible environment with a seating capacity of about 360. Designed by architect Hugh Hardy, it is a modern black-box style space that supports experimental works and smaller-scale productions.

Richardson Auditorium: Located in Princeton University’s Alexander Hall, Richardson Auditorium serves as an additional venue where McCarter hosts a variety of events, often in collaboration with university programs and other cultural organizations.

These three venues enable McCarter Theatre Center to present a wide range of performances simultaneously, catering to diverse artistic tastes and community needs.

Community Engagement and Education

McCarter Theatre Center is deeply committed to educational outreach and community involvement. Its educational programs serve learners of all ages, from young children to adults, providing opportunities for creative expression, skill development, and exposure to the performing arts. The center offers classes, workshops, and summer camps focusing on acting, stagecraft, and other theater disciplines. These programs aim to cultivate the next generation of artists and audiences while making the arts accessible to the broader community.

Beyond formal education, McCarter collaborates with local institutions such as the Princeton Public Library to develop community programs that bring theater and cultural experiences outside the traditional theater setting. These initiatives include outreach performances, interactive workshops, and special events designed to engage underserved populations and foster a greater appreciation for the arts.

Recognition and Impact

McCarter Theatre Center’s artistic achievements and contributions to the regional and national cultural landscape have earned it significant accolades. Notably, in 1994, it received the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, the first theater in the mid-Atlantic region to receive this distinguished honor. This award reflects McCarter’s consistent excellence in producing high-quality, innovative theater and its role as a cultural leader.

The theater’s commitment to presenting world premieres and supporting new playwrights has influenced American theater broadly, positioning McCarter as a vital incubator for creative talent. Its diverse programming also enriches the cultural life of Central New Jersey and attracts audiences from across the region.

Visitor Experience

Situated in the heart of Princeton, McCarter Theatre Center is accessible to local residents, university students, and visitors alike. It provides a welcoming atmosphere with amenities such as a box office open Tuesday through Saturday from noon until evening performances begin. Patrons can enjoy a range of performances spanning drama, comedy, dance, and music, often featuring both established artists and emerging voices.

The center also supports a vibrant social and cultural environment around performances, including pre-show talks, post-show discussions, and special events designed to deepen audience engagement.

Summary

In summary, McCarter Theatre Center stands as a pillar of regional theater, combining a rich historical legacy with a forward-looking vision. Its commitment to artistic innovation, education, and community outreach continues to make it an essential cultural institution, fostering the development of new works and providing enriching experiences to diverse audiences. Through its multiple venues and dynamic programming, McCarter embodies the spirit of creativity and excellence that has defined American theater for nearly a century.