On July 9, 1942, the Ted Shawn Theatre, the first theatre in the United
States designed specifically for dance, opened its doors to the Berkshire community in Western Massachusetts, presenting 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.
Ticketed Performances
81st Season Opening Gala
June 15, 2013 • featuring: Wendy Whelan • Dance Theatre of Harlem • a world premiere by acclaimed choreographer Helene Picket performed by dancers of the Ballet Program • and more!
Dance Theater of Harlem
June 19-June 23, 2013 • Ted Shawn Theatre • FESTIVAL OPENING WEEK! • Youth Tickets
Compagnie Käfig
June 26-June 30, 2013 • Ted Shawn Theatre • FRANCE/BRAZIL • ENCORE PERFORMANCES • Youth Tickets
Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet
July 3-July 7, 2013 • Ted Shawn Theatre
Companhia Urbana de Dança
July 10-July 14, 2013 • Ted Shawn Theatre • BRAZIL • Youth Tickets
Ballet BC
July 17-July 21, 2013 • Ted Shawn Theatre • CANADA • U.S. PREMIERES
L-E-V
July 24-July 28, 2013 • Ted Shawn Theatre • ISRAEL • COMPANY DEBUT • U.S. PREMIERE
3e étage: Soloists of the Paris Opera Ballet
July 31-August 4, 2013 • Ted Shawn Theatre • FRANCE • WORLD PREMIERE
O Vertigo Danse
August 7-August 11, 2013 • Ted Shawn Theatre • CANADA • LIVE MUSIC
Wendy Whelan/Restless Creature
August 14-August 18, 2013 • Ted Shawn Theatre • WORLD PREMIERE
Martha Graham Dance Company
August 21-August 25, 2013 • Ted Shawn Theatre • FESTIVAL FINALE Saturday, 8pm
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





