In August 2020, led by Stufish Entertainment Architects, a group of producers, creatives and technical experts came together to work on a new venue design that would allow shows to resume during the global pandemic. Stufish had previously created live performance designs for artists such as Beyoncé, U2, Madonna, Rolling Stones, Elton John, Monty Python and Queen + Adam Lambert, as well as permanent theaters in China.
“Creativity defines all the artists and partners we work with,” said Stufish, partner and entertainment architect Ric Lipson in a launch. “At Stufish, we are excited to see what a new type of cross arts collaboration could produce as we build a new vision for the future of live entertainment – The Vertical Theater.”
The Vertical Theater was built to meet different requirements of social distance and can accommodate between 1,200-2,400 fans. The site will have the ability to include integrated global streaming capability, as well as food and beverage facilities.
“We are dedicated to the vital importance of the arts and culture. We believe that they are an essential part of the human experience, of what makes us who we are,” said the founders of The Vertical Theater Group in a statement. “We are thrilled to be able to bring this innovative new venue to the world of live entertainment at this crucial time for the future of the arts.”
The founders of the Vertical Theater Group are Stufish Entertainment Architects represented by Lipson and Paul Preston; live events and documentary producer Holly Gilliam, theater producer Katy Lipson; Production director Jake Berry and director and founder of the Digital Theater Robert Delamere.
Check out a video clip of the venue design below.