Detroit Avenue Arts is veteran theatre artist and impresario James Levin's latest effort to provide Cleveland with unique alternative urban performance venues. In 2003 he purchased St. Mary's Church, the oldest Romanian Orthodox Church in the United States, and its Parish Hall to include in the Cleveland Public Theatre campus.
Levin left CPT in 2004 to pursue the actualization of the Gordon Square Cultural Arts District (involving the capital campaign efforts of Near West Theatre, CPT and the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization's restoration of its Capitol Movie Theatre) and the launching of Ingenuity, Cleveland's Festival of Art and Technology.
He envisions these two spaces as venues that can feature local performing ensembles that currently do not have their own home. He strives to keep rental fees affordable, hoping that the venues ultimately become an integrated component of the Arts District.
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Now renamed "Orthodox", the former church is a remarkable intimate space with a very special magic. With a seating capacity of 75, Orthodox maintains its historic century feel with the original iconostasis ("wall of icons"), pews, and very live acoustics.
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Built in 1926, the Parish Hall was formerly the social hall of St. Mary's. The space has a proscenium at one end and great hardwood floors. There is flexible seating (seats and/or tables) with a capacity of 150. The lower-level space, still under restoration, has a "clubhouse" feel, with cabaret seating and kitchen facilities. |
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Both spaces have been used for performances, rehearsals, office parties, weddings, receptions, meetings and benefits. They also continue to be used by several groups for religious services.
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 A new Christmas musical comedy revue - Nov. 23-Dec. 23 red, an orchestra (rehearsals) World Music Festival curated by Mike Telin, former program director of Trinity Cathedral |
Monday Big Band Ballroom Dancing Cleveland Public Theatre classes |
Verb Ballets - rehearsals OTHELLO - Bad Epitaph Theater Company North Coast Men's Chorus benefit MATT & BEN, LESS Productions |
Please contact Eric Unhold, Booking Coordinator, at (216) 961-4242 X250 for a tour or rental information.
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