Classroom Publication

Issue date: 3/2/05 Section: Alternative Nightlife

Media Credit: Edwina Smith The uniquely shaped theater is one of Albany´s most distinguishing venues.

About 60 percent of The Egg was filled last year. Of those seats, few were filled by college students, said Peter Lesser, executive director of one of Albany's most prominent theaters.

An unfortunate occurrence considering students are entitled to a 50 percent discount off of listed ticket prices at most shows, said Lesser.

Marquise Graham, a regular Egg patron, said that shows for community members usually cost anywhere from nothing to $35. This gives local individuals the opportunity to enjoy quality performances at affordable prices.

Media Credit: Edwina Smith Both theaters are used for chamber music concerts, cabaret, lectures, multimedia presentations, solo performers and educational programming.

The variety of shows range from theatrical musicals to ballet performances to stand-up comedy. Though The Egg offers a diverse range of genres, Folk and Rock performances usually draw the most individuals, said Lesser.

The Egg is one of Albany's most distinct-looking theaters. Located in the heart of downtown Albany, the semi-spherical piece of architecture resembles a sculpture, rather than a habitable building.

According to The Egg's official website, its construction began in 1966 and was completed in 1978. It was designed by Wallace Harrison and houses two theaters-The Lewis A. Swyer Theater, containing 450 seats, and the Kitty Carlisle Hart Theater, containing 982 seats.

With only 270 seats of the Swyer Theater and 589 seats of the larger Hart theater being filled on average, many college students are missing out on an opportunity to experience professional acts and performances at low prices, as well as the structure's unique architecture. "There are virtually no straight lines or harsh corners inside The Egg," according to the center's official website.

"If I went down to New York City, I'd have to pay way more than I would

Media Credit: Edwina Smith Both theaters within the Egg Both house state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems.

up here," said Graham. When asked how he enjoyed the performance at The Egg in comparison to other theaters, he said "Oh I loved the atmosphere and you can't beat the prices." Graham said he wishes more people would come and "hang-out" at the Egg.

At such low prices, how can The Egg afford such quality performances and shows? Executive Director Lesser stated that while 45 percent of The Egg's funding is derived from ticket sales, 30 percent comes from government sponsorship and 20 percent is a result of contracted services such as rentals and concessions.

Corporate sponsorship by companies like Time Warner is responsible for the remaining 5 percent of The Egg's funding. Time Warner's vice president of governmental relations and public affairs, Peter Taubkin, stated that in supporting The Egg they are "supplying some very powerful and unique resources to promote and support the venue's programs and mission."

When asked about the future of The Egg, Executive Director Lesser stated The Egg is currently on stable financial footing; therefore, the center looks forward to becoming a more integral part of the community.

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