Published March 9 2015
The new Bellevue Youth Theater will open Saturday, March 14, with a celebration featuring a ribbon-cutting, demonstrations and a special performance. Refreshments will be available at the free, public event, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at 16051 NE 10th St.
The new 12,000-square-foot building, designed by Becker Architects of Bellevue, is nestled in a hillside at Crossroads Park. The innovative space contains a 150-seat black-box theater that offers flexible seating options, including a "theater in the round" indoor space and a stage that can open to the outdoors.
Light "trumpets" or columns rise from the environmentally-friendly green roof to bring natural light into the building. The green roof facilitates efficient heating and cooling. Pease Construction, Inc. began construction of the new building in May 2013.
The BYT Foundation has committed $1 million toward the $8.8 million construction cost through a private fundraising campaign. A voter-approved 2008 Parks & Natural Areas Levy and grants from King County and 4Culture also helped pay for the city capital project.
Founded in 1990, the Bellevue Youth Theater has grown into one of the city's most popular programs. The BYT presents 11 productions each year -- entertaining thousands -- and provides summer and school-break day camps and theater classes.
For more information about the project, contact Pam Fehrman, project manager at 425-452-4326 or pfehrman@bellevuewa.gov. For more information about the Bellevue Youth Theater, call 425-452-7155.