CenterStage complex provides several venues

By: | Times-Dispatch
Published: July 26, 2009

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• Richmond CenterStage complex nearing completion

• CenterStage complex provides several venues

Carpenter Theatre
Dorothy Pauley Square
The Richmond CenterStage complex in downtown Richmond is a mixture of old and modern architectural styles.

On one side, there is the historic Carpenter Theatre, built in 1928 in a Spanish Mediterranean style. On the other is Dorothy Pauley Square, which incorporates the modern, mid-20th-century design of the former Thalhimers department store.

It was a purposeful decision to keep the architectural styles of the two buildings distinct and maintain the Thalhimers building because of its historical meaning to the Richmond community, said architect Bruce Herrmann of the Boston-based architecture firm Wilson Butler Architects.

"It was an interesting conversion from what was an old department store into a performing-arts facility," Herrmann said. "We've got a number of venues in there. Hopefully, it's going to bring a lot of life and excitement back to this part of town." Showcase Gallery: This venue on the first level of Dorothy Pauley Square offers 1,500 square feet of gallery space for display of the visual arts. The Showcase Gallery features large windows facing Grace and Seventh streets so passers-by can see the displays from the street and be drawn into the gallery. This venue can also be used in conjunction with such local arts events as First Fridays.

Rhythm Hall: This multipurpose venue is adjacent to the Showcase Gallery. Rhythm Hall offers a variety of room configurations -- from wide-open space to 150 seats. It is available for corporate use and offers a full catering kitchen. The room's versatility lends itself to anything from a dance floor to a comedy club to a musical concert venue. Retractable glass partitions separate Rhythm Hall from Showcase Gallery. Gottwald Playhouse: An intimate performance venue with a capacity to seat up to 200 people, the playhouse features a stage in the center of the floor that can be raised or lowered depending on the type of performance. The state-of-the-art seating is also adjustable based on preference -- flat on the floor or tiered. Genworth BrightLights Education Center: Education is the highlight in this 8,900-square-foot venue on the third floor of Dorothy Pauley Square. It features a large space for a classroom or rehearsal space; there is also space for three other classrooms, two of which are connected with a retractable wall to form a larger classroom. Included in the venue is the Digital Arts Learning Center -- equipped for students to learn how to create podcasts, live-streaming programs and other multimedia content that can be used by teachers and students across the region.

Students will be able to use arts education to improve academic performance in other subject areas, says Jay Smith, spokesman for Richmond CenterStage. "It's not just about bringing kids here . . . but taking arts education into the community, into the schools," he said.

-- Jeremy Slayton