development
|category1=Arts District
|category2=Downtown
|category3=Current
|category4=
|
|project=Stage Center
|address=400 W. Sheridan (http://goo.gl/maps/s7ZnG)
|status=empty - exploring options
|owner=OKC Community Foundation
|cost=
|architect=John Johansen, preservation by Rand Elliott
|start=
|finish=
|contractor=
|height=
|sq. feet=
|acerage=2.71
|other=
|
|image=http://www.okctalk.com/images/wikiphotos/stagecenter1.jpg
|

Information & Latest News
Completed in 1970, this eccentric masterpiece has no obvious facades. Rather, it is made up of three major components connected by tubes and tunnels. Ramps, bridges, and ductwork at various levels, as well as the "boxes" for mechanical systems atop the structures, and the brightly colored painted steel have evoked terms like "Tinker Toy geometry" or "erector set" construction from the building's critics.

Still, this original work was recognized in 1972 with a national award from AIA and it is often cited as John M. Johansen's major work. In 1983, Stage Center, then the Oklahoma Theater Center, was recognized as one of the Ten Best Buildings in Oklahoma by the Oklahoma chapter of AIA.

In 1986 the Arts Council of Oklahoma City purchased the building, which it agreed to renovate and reopen as a theater. It houses two theaters (a 580 seat thrust stage theater and a theater in the round). The smallest of the three units serves as a cabaret, offices, and rehearsal space.

Links
County Assessor Record (http://www.oklahomacounty.org/assessor/Searches/AN-R.asp?ACCOUNTNO=R010018008)
AIA Stage Center site (http://www.aiacoc.org/stagecenter/)
Save Stage Center on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Save-the-Stage-Center-Mummers-Theater-of-Oklahoma-City/147513341996757)
Gallery

I wouldn't think so.

I never went to the Stage Center as a child, do they still do field trips there? I dunno, I bet I'm a minority, but I really wouldn't care to see it go. Its architecture isn't that fascinating to me; stacked boxes and connectors that form an odd mish-mash of interesting, sure, but otherwise uninventive architecture that does not age well with time. I see the massive uptick in development in the general vicinity as even more a reason for it to go. That land is prime, as is the adjacent property to the south. The whole block to me is nothing but disposable architecture. The Stage Center though, in comparison to the rest of the block, is a lot more valuable I concede.

Hey GW,

This thread (http://www.okctalk.com/showthread.php?t=22471&highlight=stage+center)may shed light on some things. The subject has already been discussed, albeit in a somewhat different context.

I wouldn't think so.

I never went to the Stage Center as a child, do they still do field trips there? I dunno, I bet I'm a minority, but I really wouldn't care to see it go. Its architecture isn't that fascinating to me; stacked boxes and connectors that form an odd mish-mash of interesting, sure, but otherwise uninventive architecture that does not age well with time. I see the massive uptick in development in the general vicinity as even more a reason for it to go. That land is prime, as is the adjacent property to the south. The whole block to me is nothing but disposable architecture. The Stage Center though, in comparison to the rest of the block, is a lot more valuable I concede.

And your interested in Architecture???
The Stage Center is considered a globally significant building.

About 5 years ago, I met a group of college architectural students from Houston who were here, specifically, to tour the building.

By the way, what was this when it opened - I'm thinking it was the Mummers Theatre - is that right?

edit: Yes, it was the Mummers. Found it at this site about its architectural significance. http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/okla/oklacity/johansen/theater.html

About 5 years ago, I met a group of college architectural students from Houston who were here, specifically, to tour the building.

By the way, what was this when it opened - I'm thinking it was the Mummers Theatre - is that right?Yep.

That's right Mike, Mummer's.


And your interested in Architecture???
The Stage Center is considered a globally significant building.

THIS. The Stage Center is absolutely an architectural jewel. Love or hate its architecture, or in my case both, there's no denying its significance. Its architect, Philip Johansson (sp?) was one of the leaders if not THE leader of brutalist architecture. I think the Stage Center is actually one of the few examples of brutalist that is actually attractive, probably ONLY because of its colored boxes. Maybe that doesn't make it true brutalism, though?

THIS. The Stage Center is absolutely an architectural jewel. Love or hate its architecture, or in my case both, there's no denying its significance. Its architect, Philip Johansson (sp?) was one of the leaders if not THE leader of brutalist architecture. I think the Stage Center is actually one of the few examples of brutalist that is actually attractive, probably ONLY because of its colored boxes. Maybe that doesn't make it true brutalism, though?

Actually it was John M. Johansen. Here's a WIKI (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_M._Johansen) article on him. Here's another article (http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/okla/oklacity/johansen/theater.html)about Stage Center (Mummers Theatre) history.

Interesting read on the Mechanic Theater by John M. Johansen. They're turning it from one of the "World's Top Ten Ugliest Buildings" into this highrise of mixed retail, residential, hotel space, and underground parking.

Link (http://www.davidsbrown.com/commercial/commercial-upcoming/mechanic_theater.html)

http://www.davidsbrown.com/images/mechanic1.jpg

And your interested in Architecture???
The Stage Center is considered a globally significant building.

Not really. I used to think I wanted to be an architect when I was a child.

I don't like the Stage Center and I never have. I thought I'd be in the minority and I was right. I just don't think the Stage Center, as it is designed, belongs downtown. I think maybe another part of the city mght have been more appropriate.

On another note, I'd actually like to see that whole block between Walker and Hudson and Sheridan and Reno to be acquired and developed for a park's edge development some day. So, maybe my OKC Masterplan dreams have given me bias. ;]

To me, the form could be considered interesting and significant but the function of the building seems awful.

While I feel the overall design of SC is far from aesthetically pleasing, it is unique and has significant history in Oklahoma City. Thus, it's removal really shouldn't even be considered.

So, does the Arts Council leave it alone? Should the concrete and various cubes and tubes be painted? I think all would agree something needs to happen with it. With surrounding areas and structures quickly being renovated and renewed, this structure is really beginning to show its age and associated issues.

I really like the Stage Center and want it to stay.
I don't think I like it enough to spend $30 million on it to "get it up to speed" though.
It's a great "break" from the rest of downtown while on a walk. The building (inside) is fascinating and I hope all the issues get repaired soon.

I really like the Stage Center and want it to stay.
I don't think I like it enough to spend $30 million on it to "get it up to speed" though.
...

Maybe it is just me, but that would be a way better use of 30M than messing with that substation. Probably not possible to reallocate though since the substation talk involved M3 money.

I actually performed in a high school play in the Mummers Theatre way back in the late 70's. The building and the entire experience was phenomenal. Granted it may be out of date now, but this is the crucial point at which we say: 'This is an important structure that deserves to be saved and restored, no matter what the costs', or 'tear the carbuncle down and do away with our history'. OK, I am exaggerating, but OKC does not have the best record on preserving relics from its short yet fascinating past (read Sandridge).

On a positive note, the building could indeed be 're-purposed', maybe great and top-quality dinner theatre, outdoor cafe's in the garden area, or even a top-quality retail experience, but the exterior should be preserved.

Does anyone know if this building is listed as a historical monument or if there are plans to do so?

You know, it's surprising to me the building was not included in previous MAPS. Is it not owned by the city? I've heard it leaks like a sonuvagun when it rains, whatever that is.

Here's more about the structure:

http://www.smallarchitects.com/sites/thesmallgroup/uploads/images/blog_images/Local_Architecture/stage_center.jpg

Completed in 1970, this eccentric masterpiece has no obvious facades. Rather, it is made up of three major components connected by tubes and tunnels. Ramps, bridges, and ductwork at various levels, as well as the "boxes" for mechanical systems atop the structures, and the brightly colored painted steel have evoked terms like "Tinker Toy geometry" or "erector set" construction from the building's critics.

Still, this original work was recognized in 1972 with a national award from AIA and it is often cited as John M. Johansen's major work. In 1983, Stage Center, then the Oklahoma Theater Center, was recognized as one of the Ten Best Buildings in Oklahoma by the Oklahoma chapter of AIA.

In 1986 the Arts Council of Oklahoma City purchased the building, which it agreed to renovate and reopen as a theater. It houses two theaters (a 580 seat thrust stage theater and a theater in the round). The smallest of the three units serves as a cabaret, offices, and rehearsal space.

That piece of crap needs to be bulldozed and the land used to build something that is useful and good looking.

With no taste, I am glad you have no authority.

That piece of crap needs to be bulldozed and the land used to build something that is useful and good looking.

This is scary to read.

I think if Stage Center was to be a morsel of food on my tongue, I'd spit it out as if allergic to it. Not a fan and would rather see this piece of land developed into residential or something along those lines. It's a valuable piece of property.

I like to call this architectural populism. It's fine and dandy and all, but I will stand up against populism when it threatens to murder a cherished structure for being different.

And I've long-thought that the trees in front of it need to be removed. The trees are eyesores. I would be for trees that are placed with the purpose of creating some definition or providing shade for the sidewalk, etc. By all means, plant trees around the periphery in a nice organized line, but these trees were clearly placed there to sort of "cover" the Stage Center up, as legend has it. They also detract from the architecture because they are scraggly trees haphazardly placed in front of the building. They don't create or reinforce spacial definition, they work against it. Oh the horror...

We have absolutely acres of other property that needs to be developed in the immediate vicinity.

Appreciate it or not, the building represents significant architecture and design and should and will be renovated with time.

Sorry, but I guess I'm among the unenlightened plebes who think its an eyesore. I remember vividly when it opened as the Mummers back when I was a kid, and kept wondering why they didn't finish it. To each his own, but what I don't get is why is someone implicitly lacking in taste or intelligence (or whatever) if they think the thing is ugly? Because they don't agree with some self-appointed cognoscenti? Alas...

We have absolutely acres of other property that needs to be developed in the immediate vicinity.

Appreciate it or not, the building represents significant architecture and design and should and will be renovated with time.

Pete, in a city that has senselessly demolished so many other countless treasures, how can you be so sure? Especially as demo is becoming more and more rampant and popular. When Downtown OKC really gets going, as history has shown in both the 60s, the 80s, and now today, there is this tendency for landmarks to disappear and be replaced with parking lots and forgettable built environments.

By the way, would anyone care to guess what highly-coveted architectural prize the Stage Center is the ONLY Oklahoma building to ever win?

I like to call this architectural populism. It's fine and dandy and all, but I will stand up against populism when it threatens to murder a cherished structure for being different.



Murder a cherished building, gracie?

Methinks you might trip over your own hyperbole..

nm

How about "highest cost-per-seat structure" of anything remotely intended ever to be used as a theater?

Have you ever seen a play inside of it?

Have you ever seen a play inside of it?

Nope...couldn't care less about it, either.

In all fairness, Spartan, I deleted that response to avoid the sparring. You like the building, I don't, everyone's happy.

If we demolished the only building in this city to receive an AIA honor award, I think I might give up on this town...

http://aiawebdev2.aia.org/about2_template.cfm?pagename=library_honorawards_7 0_79

Nope...couldn't care less about it, either.

In all fairness, Spartan, I deleted that response to avoid the sparring. You like the building, I don't, everyone's happy.

Well, I think you're getting kind of defensive, but there's no harm done, it's just a forum debate and there's always multiple viewpoints. Nobody called you a "plebe" especially considering that you weren't even in the thread when the comment you were alluding to was made.

I think that's a pretty negative response, though, how people on here constantly accuse people of "talking down" whenever they use correct architectural terminology or speak of buildings in the way that scholars do. What bothers me is that anyone can be a scholar when it comes to buildings, just research the ones you like, start to converse with those who share your interest, etc.

It's throwing stones to launch the elitism accusation, especially to feign as if your supposed "lack of intelligence" is being insulted by someone speaking in a passionate and scholarly tone about buildings. I know there's a better response than the "plebe" card. I respect that you don't care for the architecture, but I do think you should respect the fact that countless others do care for this piece of architecture.

... or are buildings just buildings? Not worthy of being passionately discussed?

That piece of crap needs to be bulldozed and the land used to build something that is useful and good looking.

I guess you would probably say the same thing about this bulding then:

http://www.centrepompidouparis.com/

The local population was up in arms when it was built but it is now treasured.

ljbab: remember reading where they thought the same thing about the Eiffel Tower (Awful Tower)...LOL

Spent a while at Stage Center today after work. Got video all around, from all angles. The aim is to have a reference for further discussion.

Have you ever seen a play inside of it?

I have and enjoyed it very much.

Well, I think you're getting kind of defensive, but there's no harm done, it's just a forum debate and there's always multiple viewpoints. Nobody called you a "plebe" especially considering that you weren't even in the thread when the comment you were alluding to was made.

I think that's a pretty negative response, though, how people on here constantly accuse people of "talking down" whenever they use correct architectural terminology or speak of buildings in the way that scholars do. What bothers me is that anyone can be a scholar when it comes to buildings, just research the ones you like, start to converse with those who share your interest, etc.

It's throwing stones to launch the elitism accusation, especially to feign as if your supposed "lack of intelligence" is being insulted by someone speaking in a passionate and scholarly tone about buildings. I know there's a better response than the "plebe" card. I respect that you don't care for the architecture, but I do think you should respect the fact that countless others do care for this piece of architecture.

... or are buildings just buildings? Not worthy of being passionately discussed?

Appreciation of architecture, art, or other cultural items is not a matter of class, but of taste and culture. People should appreciate design whether it is the style they LIKE or not. I don't like country music, but I appreciate that it can have great artistic merit. While I don't think we would want a city full of this style, we ought to appreciate the uniqueness and the beauty of this particular building. It is significant.

I regularly watched plays in the early 80s. I remember Elephant Man so clearly even now. I think it was in the smaller theater.

The great thing about the venue was the intimacy you shared with both the performers and your fellow patron. So when it was good it was more like being a part of an experience than a spectator.

Every seat felt close to the stage. Even the intermissions were opportunities to have little reunions with friends and sometimes the actors were out and available.

It wasn't the most comftorable building and it was pretty obvious from the beginning that maintenance was going to be a problem. But it's quirkiness really did grow on me.

If it's renovated I think there are probably ways to improve efficiency and maintenance.

I would really hate to see it lost.

I have and enjoyed it very much.

I have as well. I have been to plays in many cities and theaters and I've never been anywhere that could match it for embience to connect the play to the audience.

I think the stage center is very ugly from a distance, but really awesome up close. I hope they can get it fixed, and maybe improve it.

Does anyone know what was there before Stage Center was built?

Maybe they could expand Stage Center south, and double it's size, doesn't the Art's Council own that lot to the south?

Even if they did wouldn't that put it in competition with venues at the Myriad Gardens and Devon Auditorium, given that Devon will book plays and performances for the public?

http://www.seasonsofsoulfilm.com/Mummers_Theater.html


“My purpose in... [building] the Mummers Theater... was to excite, intrigue, tempt, and entrap. In the Mummers Theater... theatergoers are drawn into a building as stage set and feel themselves actors among professionals on the stage itself, in a total, combined performance. As I like to make the analogy, such buildings are like artful, subtle women who, offering love, do not give themselves, but ask to be taken.”

- John M Johansen

Video clips.

http://www.seasonsofsoulfilm.com/SEASONS_OF_THE_SOUL_WEBSITE/Clips.html


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nUYDq-LrCs

I think this man would have a problem with his building being bulldozed.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=binfBOn-ZkY


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2m961ksx9tc

Another website.

http://johnjohansenarchitect.com/JMJ_ARCHITECT/HOME.html

This one has a clip of John and I.M. Pei!

http://johnjohansenarchitect.com/JMJ_ARCHITECT/ABOUT_JMJ.html

Well, in spite of the above post... I am still in support of the Stage Center. Lol

Stage Center Opens to Mixed Reviews (http://www.okchistory.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=286:stage-center-opens-to-mixed-reviews&catid=38:places&Itemid=77)

Arts Council of Oklahoma City returns to offices following 2010 flood (http://newsok.com/arts-council-returns-to-offices/article/3549612)

Thanks for posting the links, UnFrSaKn. The article from okchistory.com was really interesting. I was young when it opened, but I remember the controversy and comments. It's our turn to help save this building.

I'm back 4 and a half hours later to share something I found that should give us cause to pause. "75 Abandoned Theaters From Around The USA" (http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/75-abandoned-theaters-from-around-the-usa). It's mostly movie theaters, but there's a few stage theatres as well. Sad and fascinating at the same time.

Maybe they could expand Stage Center south, and double it's size, doesn't the Art's Council own that lot to the south?

Even if they did wouldn't that put it in competition with venues at the Myriad Gardens and Devon Auditorium, given that Devon will book plays and performances for the public?

I'm not sure why you think it should be expanded in size?

Required viewing.


http://vimeo.com/22183438

More photos up later.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-1.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-2.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-3.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-4.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-5.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-6.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-7.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-8.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-9.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-10.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-11.jpg

If this building was lost it would be a travesty.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-12.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-13.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-14.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-15.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-16.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-17.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-18.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-19.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-20.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-21.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-22.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-23.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-24.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-25.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-26.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-27.jpg

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-28.jpg

...fantastic captures, Will!

Like I said before, the space demands your attention. If I was a homeless guy I'd probably like to camp there too.

Glad I don't have any pro pretty bags, mine are all pro ugly.

I'm not sure what will happen to my bags... Throun away, sounds crazy.

Are those recent pictures? I saw Reefer Madness last year performed by the Carpenter Square Theater, and I'm pretty sure it was originally scheduled for the Stage Center..

Btw, I love this photo:
http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j286/UnFrSaKn/Downtown%20OKC/Stage%20Center/StageCenter-OklahomaCityApril82011-24.jpg

Recent, yes. Friday. See the last post on page 2.

Study to be done on the Stage Center for possible renovation!http://www.kfor.com/news/local/kfor-news-stage-center-study-building-story,0,319058.story

Looks like this answers the question posed at the start of this discussion.