Ted Shawn Theatre

"Everything about it is designed for use with a functionalism that is both modern and  classic.  There appears to be not a wasted nail or an unnecessary board anywhere and the whole thing operates smartly with a unity and efficiency that are themselves a form of beauty."
- John Martin, The New York Times, 1942

On July 9, 1942, the Ted Shawn Theatre, the first theatre in the United States 
designed specifically for dance, opened its doors and presented world premieres, US debuts of artists from all over the world and exciting programs and collaborations not seen elsewhere. Architect Joseph Franz, who also built The Music Shed at Tanglewood, agreed with Shawn that the theatre exterior must harmonize with the existing farmhouse and barns. Franz also handcut the weathervane atop the theatre, which depicts Barton Mumaw, Shawn's leading dancer. Within the Ted Shawn Theatre and flanking the proscenium are life-size paintings of Ted Shawn in the Hopi Indian Eagle Dance and Ruth St. Denis as Kwannon, the Japanese Goddess of Mercy. Both were painted during the Denishawn era by Albert Herter.

World renowned dance companies and artists perform Wednesdays through Sundays every week. See below for a listing of the 2009 artists performing in the Ted Shawn Theatre, and click to see a video clip and more in-depth information about each company.

Upcoming Performances

Mujeres: Belén Maya & Rocío Molina

"Spellbinding, a term I've resolutely stayed away from for three decades." Jennifer Dunning, The New York Times

June 24-June 28, 2009 • Spain • Live Music

Ted Shawn Theatre

Radio and Juliet by Ballet Maribor

"This ballet is an homage to Radiohead...and deserves to be widely seen." Dance Europe

July 1-July 5, 2009 • Slovenia

Ted Shawn Theatre

Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet

"One of the most exciting events of the new season." The New York Times

July 8-July 12, 2009 • Live Music • WORLD PREMIERE by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui

Ted Shawn Theatre

Groupe Emile Dubois

"A sheer delight to behold." Le Monde (France)

July 15-July 19, 2009 • U.S. Premiere • France

Ted Shawn Theatre

Merce Cunningham Dance Company

"The world's greatest choreographer." The New York Times

July 22-July 26, 2009 • 90th Birthday Celebration

Ted Shawn Theatre

Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal

"Dances packed with emotion and character." The Boston Globe

July 29-August 2, 2009 • Canada

Ted Shawn Theatre

Rennie Harris Puremovement

"A central figure in hip-hop." The New York Times

August 5-August 9, 2009 • Live Music

Ted Shawn Theatre

Doug Varone and Dancers

"Uninhibited kinetic brilliance." The New York Observer

August 12-August 16, 2009

Ted Shawn Theatre

Pacific Northwest Ballet

"Pacific Northwest Ballet from Seattle would stand out in the richest of seasons." The New York Times

August 19-August 23, 2009 • Pillow Exclusive

Ted Shawn Theatre

Ballet Hispanico

"When Ballet Hispanico's dancers take the stage, watch out. No one struts, kicks, spins, leaps and gyrates the way they do." Newsday

August 26-August 30, 2009

Ted Shawn Theatre
Upcoming Events

The Art of Merce Cunningham

June 24-August 30, 2009 • Tuesday - Sunday • open 30 minutes prior to performance

Ted Shawn Theatre