Theater De Vest

Theater De Vest in central Alkmaar underwent a major renovation completed in 2013 to designs by TenBrasWestinga. The project reworked the main auditorium, foyers, offices and loading facilities. Its earlier auditorium concept, dating from around 1978 and influenced by Walter Gropius's theatre designs, allowed orchestral performance across the boundary between stage and audience. The renovation retained that flexibility through lifting platforms that extend the stage or form an orchestra pit. Seating in the main auditorium increased from 600 to 700, while acoustic curtains and new lighting bridges improved the room's adaptability. Opened on 29 September 1978 with a festival that ran for fifteen days, the building on the Canadaplein was designed by J.W. van der Scheer and does duty as Alkmaar's stadsschouwburg. A rebuilding in 2000 left a main hall of 850 seats, with balcony and orchestra pit, and a flat-floor second hall of 274. Cabaret, drama, musical, dance, youth work, opera and classical concerts share the season. Since a 2013 sponsorship the theatre has traded as TAQA Theater De Vest.