Seattle University and The Empty Space Theatre Join Forces

Seattle University and The Empty Space Theatre announced a creative partnership that will bring The Empty Space as theater-in-residence to the Seattle University campus.

The resulting partnership will maximize educational opportunities; increase the capacity for creation of new work; and develop new opportunities for Northwest artists and audiences. By fusing art and education, Seattle University and The Empty Space Theatre aim to bridge the gap between study and practice, art and community.

“The creative collaboration between Seattle University and The Empty Space offers students exceptional opportunities to learn in collaboration with theatre professionals,” said President Stephen V. Sundborg. “The partnership will contribute to the vitality of the Seattle arts community and provide a terrific new venue for theatre-goers.”

“We’re very excited about this partnership,” said The Empty Space artistic director Allison Narver. “It will broaden our ability to put on new work, ensure institutional stability, and infuse 35 years of professional theatre experience into the educational experience of students.”

The collaboration between Seattle University and The Empty Space Theatre is made possible by the construction of a new space for performance and visual arts at SU: the Jeanne Marie and Rhoady Lee, Jr. Center for the Arts, due to open in February 2006. The Empty Space Theatre, currently located in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood, will move its offices to the Fine Arts building at Seattle University and will present its regular season at the Lee Center for the Arts. The company will also present an annual co-production with Seattle University.