The Whalt Whitman Theatre

Whitman Stage as the performer sees the audience

The recently refurbished Walt Whitman Theatre as the performing artists see it, looking out from the thrust stage into the audience.  This design allows solo artists to perform closer to the audience, giving a more intimate feel for both performer and patron -- a very desirable effect in such a large theatre.  This area is movable and can be lowered, acting as the orchestra pit for performances where orchestras are part of the event.
          
Walt Whitman Theatre - Early Construction
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Walt Whitman Theatre Photo Gallery
 

      This magnificent art-deco, 2,350 seat (originally a 2,500 seat) theatre, named after Brooklyn-born poet Walt Whitman, opened in 1955 as the centerpiece for the Performing Arts Center.  Some of the world's best-loved and most accomplished artists have graced the footlights on the Great Stage -- from the likes of the great classic legends such as Leontyne Price (who opened the inaugural  season), Zubin Mehta, The Joffrey Ballet, Paul Taylor Dance Company, Marilyn Horne, Itzhak Perlman, Peter Martins, Luciano Pavarotti, Dame Joan Sutherland and Edward Villella, to popular headliners like Tony Bennett, Pearl Bailey, Alan King, Linda Ronstadt, Arlo Guthrie, The Beach Boys, Victor Borge, Santana....well, the list goes on and on. 

      Coinciding with the Center's Fiftieth Anniversary Season, in October of 2004, the theatre underwent a multi-million dollar renovation and reopened with a gala performance starring Leslie Uggams in Concert.  This, after the three month refurbishment effort gave the Whitman Theatre a much needed face-lift including a new Grand Curtain, draperies, rugs and seats were removed and replaced.  Additionally, the original windows were removed and enclosed while the exterior walls were adorned with stainless steel sculptures.  The Grand Lobby was redesigned with architectural enhancements that include unique, rich wood canopies, mirror accents and mood lighting that incorporates a state of the art dimming system and ten different types of lighting fixtures.  Monitors at both ends of the Grand Lobby allow late comers to watch the show until late seating can commence.

      Today the Center has as diverse a seasonal repertoire as the multi-cultural neighborhoods it serves, bringing renowned stars to the people of Brooklyn and its surrounds, and providing an affordable alternative to the pricey, stress-laden venues in Manhattan.  Great Art . . . . right in the neighborhood and at popular prices!

      Through its Community Showcase program, the Center is host to a variety of community groups who, with the help of the theatre's professional production staff, are able to mount such diverse community events as variety shows, dance recitals, convocations, NYC Fire and Police Academy graduations as well as dozens of Brooklyn High School graduations -- all on the Great Stage. 

The Walt Whitman Theatre currently is the home of these exciting series and community events:

  • Brooklyn Center Presents
       - Headliners
       - Target's FamilyFun
       - Theatre
       - Word of Dance
       - World Stages

  • Brooklyn Center Cinema
       - Free Sneak Previews
       - CinEvents

  • Brooklyn College Conservatory of Music
           -  The Conservatory Orchestra
        -  BC Jazz Ensemble
        -  BC Opera Theatre
        -  The Percussion Ensemble
        -  conTempo
        -  The BC Chorus
        -  The Electro-Acoustic Music Festival
        -  The Composers Concerts
        -  Big Band
        -  Music for Strings
     

  • Brooklyn College Theater Department
          - Mainstage Productions
           - Thesis Productions
     

  • Brooklyn Center's Community Showcase
    Local organizations and producers utilize the Center's facilities and professional staff to stage their meetings, performances and conferences.

  • The Graduation Project 
    It's a June tradition; for decades the Center's Whitman Theatre has become the venue of choice of dozens of High Schools, Colleges and Dance Schools for the commencement ceremonies every June.  Literally tens of thousands of Brooklynites have graduated in the Walt Whitman Theatre.  

      The theatre boasts rich, full acoustics, a thrust stage that brings solo performers right to the audience and excellent sightlines with stadium seating in both the Mezzanine and Balcony sections.  Patrons delight in visiting the Refreshment Counter located in the Grand Lobby which is opened for most performances, offering our specialty house-blend of Colombian coffee, delicious all-natural cakes, an assortment of candies and fountain sodas, including salt-free seltzer.

      The theatre is equipped with spaces for wheelchair seating with companion seats as well as an infrared hearing-assist system and wheelchair accessible rest-room facilities.

The Walt Whitman Theatre can made available to not-for-profit organizations and community groups for a very reasonable and competitive cost under our Community Showcase initiative.  Contact our General Manager for more information. 

 mailto:RichargG@BrooklynCenter.com  718-951-4600 x12