Built as a facility to present student work and house lectures, as well as provide classroom space, the School of Visual Arts' S.V.A. Theatre officially opened on September 16. The site, formerly the Clearview Chelsea West Cinemas, was acquired by the college last year and was fully renovated by architect Larry Jones, construction supervisor Kevin O'Callahan, and artist Milton Glaser, who also serves as the school's acting chair. Run by faculty member Gene Stavis, the S.V.A. Theatre is also available for event rental and was home to the Gen Art Film Festival and the New York Cinema Society's screening of Inglourious Basterds earlier this year.
On the north side of West 23rd Street, the handsome 20,000-square-foot theater houses two auditoriums and a lobby and reception area. Originally one continuous theater, the space was broken into two separate auditoriums—one seating 480, the other 265—and named after the school's founder, Silas H. Rhodes, and his wife, Beatrice. Both sections of the venue are equipped with a stage, theatrical lighting, WiFi Internet access, Dolby surround sound, and projection capabilities for 35mm, 16mm, and multiple high-definition formats.
The lobby can be used for receptions of as many as 200 people, and there is room on the lower level for catering prep. Outside is a digital marquee topped by Glaser's 120-foot kinetic sculpture inspired by Vladimir Tatlin's uncompleted tower.
