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 The
Lear Theater in downtown Reno was originally the First Church of Christ,
Scientist. It was designed in 1938 by internationally acclaimed architect,
Paul Revere Williams. Services were held there until its sale in 1998.
Seeing the possibilities for a community performance venue, the Theater
Coalition was formed and purchased the building. They are currently renovating
the building to meet the needs of a theater and performing arts center.
Plans include a 425
theater with an enlarged stage, and dressing and rehearsal areas. The
balcony will be enlarged to include an arts gallery. There will be a studio
upstairs. Downstairs, there will be additional space for performances,
practice, or meetings. Outside, there will be a performance plaza for
outdoor events. Because of its historical and architectural importance,
care is being taken to retain the integrity of design and detail.
More about the Lear Theater:
Paul Revere Williams was the first African American architect to become
the president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).- Williams received the NAACP’s
Springarn Medal for Outstanding Achievement in 1953.
- The Lear is named in honor
of Moya Olsen Lear, a well-known Reno philanthropist.
- In addition to the Lear,
Paul R. Williams also designed these local buildings: The Rafael Herman
house at Rancho San Rafael, The Garvey Residence on California Avenue,
Loomis Manor, and the El Reno housing project of which one unit remains.
- The building was completed
in 1939 and church services were held regularly until 1998.
- The theater coalition was
founded in 1995 to advocate for, promote, and showcase theater arts
in the community.
- The Lear Theater it is
on the local, state, and national registers for historic places.
 Susan
Mayes-Smith, Executive Director, Theater Coalition:
: “I see this building as an anchor, as a pillar in downtown arts
and culture for this city, it is part of the arts district. It will draw
visitors to Reno, it will draw visitors downtown, it is a theater, not
a church and to replace the pews with theater seats makes perfect sense
to me. It’s truly a theater with a very, very exciting history.”
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