Signature Theatre—one of the nation’s leading regional musical theaters and a 2009 recipient of the Tony Award® for Regional Theatre—has long been known for its bold artistic vision, intimate performance experiences, and unwavering commitment to new work. As the company grew from its modest beginnings in an Arlington middle school and later an improvised auto-garage venue, its national reputation expanded dramatically. By the mid-2000s, Signature needed a home that could reflect its artistic ambition and sustain its role as a cultural leader in the Washington metropolitan region.
In 2007, Signature Theatre selected architect John Jessen to design a new, purpose-built 48,000-square-foot facility that would define the next era of the company’s artistic life. Developed through a public–private partnership with Arlington County, the new theater complex became the cultural anchor of the revitalized Village at Shirlington, positioning Signature at the heart of a vibrant arts and community destination.
Jessen’s design centers on the creation of two world-class performance spaces—intimate, flexible theaters capable of hosting Signature’s hallmark Sondheim productions, world premieres, and contemporary works. The architecture blends the raw energy of Signature’s former “garage” with a refined, modern sensibility, producing an environment that is both sophisticated and deeply connected to the company’s creative roots.
Behind the scenes, the facility provides expanded rehearsal areas, production shops, artist support spaces, and enhanced amenities for staff and performers—critical infrastructure for a company committed to producing ambitious musical theater. Public spaces were designed to heighten the patron experience, from the lobby and circulation spaces to the material palette that captures Signature’s edgy yet polished identity.
The completed project tripled Signature’s previous square footage and set the stage for the organization’s rise as a major national cultural institution. Beyond its functional value, the building serves as an architectural expression of Signature Theatre’s spirit: innovative, intimate, daring, and artistically vital. Today, the theater attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually and remains a defining cultural force within the region.
Facility Features and Technical Details
Signature Theatre’s Arlington venue includes a two-stage performance facility, highlighted by the 294-seat Diamond Theatre, whose shaped plywood wall panels fade to black as they approach the stage. The building features a high-ceilinged lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows, café seating, and a dedicated coat-check area, as well as a full-service catering kitchen that supports private events and special performances.
In addition to the main theatre complex, Signature Post—the organization’s audio post-production facility—includes three professional mix stages with the following dimensions:
- Mix Stage 1: 32′ × 41′ × 16′
- Mix Stage 2: 25′ × 34′ × 14′
- Mix Stage 3: 28′ × 40′ × 15′
All stages are equipped with dual-operator 24-fader Avid S6 M40 consoles and theatrical Atmos sound systems, featuring JBL mains, surrounds, subwoofers, and surround low-frequency extensions, supporting Signature’s commitment to world-class audio production.
Project location: Arlington, VA
Project size: 48,000 SF
Work previously completed by John Jessen as Principal Architect & Architect-of-Record with VOA Associates (now Stantec).