A bold strategic alliance between Seattle Theatre Group and The 5th Avenue Theatre

Seattle Theatre Group (STG) is stepping in as the new leaseholder and operator of The 5th Avenue Theatre venue (located in the Skinner Building at 1308 5th Avenue), marking a strategic alliance with The 5th Avenue Theatre Company to preserve local musical theatre and expand live event programming downtown. Under the agreement, The 5th Avenue Theatre Company will continue producing its signature musical theatre for about half the year, while STG will bring additional concerts, comedy, and touring productions to the historic venue.

“This alliance allows us to harmonize our strengths,” said Bill Berry, Executive Director of The 5th Avenue Theatre Company. “It enables The 5th to focus on what we do best in curating and producing first-rate musical theater specific to audiences of the Pacific Northwest.”

STG Executive Director Josh LaBelle echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the broader impact: “I cannot think of a better way to put this concept into practice than being a good collaborator and friend to our colleagues at The 5th, an organization that is an anchor of the arts community in Downtown Seattle.”

This move is expected to revitalize the venue’s role in Seattle’s arts scene while increasing economic activity in the downtown core. The University of Washington, which owns the building, supports the alliance, recognizing its long-term cultural and economic benefits. The Downtown Seattle Association also praised the collaboration, calling it “a terrific move for the city’s historic theater district.”

To celebrate, The 5th Avenue Theatre will host an open house on April 28, inviting the public to learn more about the theatre’s next chapter.