Asolo Repertory Theatre and The Sarasota Ballet have announced the installation of brand new seating in the Harold and Esther Mertz Theatre, the main performing space for Asolo Repertory Theatre and the home of The Sarasota Ballet. Located in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts, this installation will take place over the summer and is expected to be completed by the end of August 2019. The seating in the theatre has increased from 503 to 535 seats, with most of the new seats added to the orchestra section of the theatre. Comfort and sight-line clarity were first and foremost in the process. The new layout also allows for an increase in ADA seating at a variety of price points.
The seats, manufactured by Irwin Seating, are a replica of those in the historic New Amsterdam Theatre, the oldest operating theatre on Broadway, and reflect the style and aesthetic of the Mertz. The installation was funded by Florida State University and championed by Sally McRorie, the university's Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Asolo Repertory Theatre