Support Us Button Widget

ACT Contemporary Theatre and Seattle Shakespeare Company announce possible merger

The two local theatre companies both unanimously approved the exploration of a merger — here’s what we know.

The corner of the historic Eagles building downtown features a long, rectangular sign on the corner reading "A C T Theatre" and a tall high rise building extends up into the sky in the background.

Home of ACT Contemporary Theatre, the Eagles Auditorium Building hosted many 1950s R&B performances, late-60s rock concerts, and 1980s punk shows.

Photo by SEAtoday staff

*Enter stage right*

Two prominent local theatre companies recently announced a possible merger. The ACT Contemporary Theatre and Seattle Shakespeare Company (SSC) are looking at joining forces, with the potential to operate within ACT’s current home in the Eagles Auditorium Building at 700 Union St.

The merger was unanimously approved by the ACT and SSC Boards, both of which will serve as the stewards of the transition as a legal agreement is drafted.

Here are the main goals behind the merger:

  • Assist in the revitalization of downtown
  • Strengthen their community impact and individual missions (ACT’s being to unite artistic ambition + SSC’s to make arts accessible)
  • Combine resources to address production costs and uncertain subscriber numbers

The full merger is still “around a year in the making” with an exact title for the resulting org yet to be revealed.

More from SEAtoday
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
Reach your local community with our help.
Consider these our Hollywood signs.
We’re highlighting the best kid-friendly activities that Seattle has to offer — complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
When you find yourself suddenly with a free afternoon on a beautiful Seattle summer day, here are some quick ways to get outdoors and bask in our rarely seen sun.
Happy Small Business Week, Seattle. We’d like you to meet Dog On K9 Academy, a local dog care service that’s here to help get your pup the walk, training, or outdoor adventure they need.
So many movies to see, so little time.
Happy Small Business Week, Seattle. We’d like you to meet Seattle Chainstitch Massacre, a local clothing retailer specialized in customized embroidery.
We’re not always in the mood for a bar on a Friday night, so check out these other late night activities when you’re itching for some night life.
Sponsored
Including Oprah’s favorite eye mask and a No. 1 best-selling beard trimmer.