Writers Theatre, Studio Gang Architects

Organized as a village-like cluster of distinct volumes that surround a central hub, the building’s form resonates with the character of Glencoe’s downtown. The theater’s two performance spaces—a main stage and a smaller black box venue—employ innovative staging and seating configurations to maximize the sense of intimacy between actors and audience and to enhance the immersive experience of Writers’ productions.

Both of these performance venues, in addition to rehearsal space and public zones, open onto the central gathering space of the lobby. Structured by great timber trusses with a lighter wood lattice supporting its second-floor canopy walk, the lobby is designed to accommodate multiple uses including informal performances, talks, and community events.

The building engages its context through transparent visual connections and ivy-covered backdrops to the surrounding parks. In fair weather the lobby can open to the adjacent Women’s Library Club Park, allowing the energy and interaction generated within the theater to extend outward into the community beyond. At night, the theater glows from within, drawing interest and activity to this important civic and cultural anchor.

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