Work / Expanded Arts

A "Storefront Theatre" and "Free Shakespeare in the Park(ing) Lot" in New York City

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Free Shakespeare in the Park(ing) Lot, 1996 Presented on the west side piers of Manhattan Directed by Robert Spahr

Expanded Arts / Shakespeare in the Park(ing) Lot

Expanded Arts was founded by Jennifer Pias and Robert Spahr in February of 1995, at 85 Ludlow St. NYC. The critically acclaimed theatre company produced numerous productions in it's "Storefront Theatre." Since it's very first summer, Expanded Arts presented "Free Shakespeare in the Park(ing) Lot" in the Municipal Lot across the street from the theatre.

The successful off-broadway "Shakespeare's R&J" was first produced by Expanded Arts in September of 1997. It is now the longest running Romeo & Juliet in the history of Broadway. Every summer Expanded Arts produced "94 plays in 94 days" the marathon production of original plays presented over the 94 days of summer!

Expanded Arts produced over 300 productions during the 3 years I was involved with the theatre company as the artistic director.

Expanded Arts

Press Quotes

The Expanded Art's "Romeo & Juliet" is by far the shrewdest of the three current productions...Hot Blooded...Clever"
-Peter Marks
The New York Times

A film version of their successful play Sharmy the Scab-- ...Expanded Arts is an odd combination of high-tech and grunge."
-Francine Russo
Village Voice

I think Expanded Arts is succeeding in creating a theatre that will be around for a long while."
-Sherry Eaker
Back Stage

The Expanded Arts ensemble uses wit and imagination."
-Andrew Valez
Time Out, New York

The single most exciting theatre event of the year took place at Expanded Arts on Ludlow Street...An evening such as this revives the joys of those first moments you discovered how truly magical theatre can be."
-Andrew Valez
LGYN

An enterprising free production of Taming of the Shrew ...They have adapted the play admirably to its urban setting..."
-Tony Allen-Mills
The London Sunday Times

If Quentin Tarantino had no money and an interest in theatre, he might come up with a production of Edward the Second quite like the one currently at Expanded Arts...So maybe it's a little surreal, but that's the atmosphere in which this strangely riveting Edward comes to life"
Sam Whitehead
Time Out New York

A sight to behold: Shakespeare in the park(ing) Lot...The Walt Disney company may be moving in to revitalize 42nd Street, but on the Lower East Side it's Shakespeare who's turning the cultural life of the area around."
John O'Mahoney
The New York Post

You've heard of Shakespeare in the Park well now its Shakespeare in the Parking Lot. Believe me this is something that you don't want to miss."
Debra Rodriguez
Fox 5- TV

So, some praise to Expanded Arts...The Half modernized production is fine Pop Shakespeare, smart and relaxed, able to hold your attention despite all the amusing distractions."
Brian Parks
Village Voice

Edward The Second, ripe for a revision rendering, the play has enough sexual deviance, hip drugs, and fashion disasters to make the low-Rent setting ideal."
New York Magazine

Time Out New York chose Expanded Arts' Shakespeare in a Parking Lot as "Essential to New York".

...in a production as mod-decadent as "Rent"...(Edward the Second) was always inventive and often powerful."
David A. Rosenberg
Backstage

...Edward the Second was remarkably potent and even thrilling in Expanded Arts' minuscule storefront Stage...Expanded Arts have turned every limitation into an innovative asset which, in many ways, is what theatre is all about."
-Brad Bradly
Manhattan Mirror

Check in around 2020 to see which of the current off-off Broadway companies will be the Manhattan Theatre Club of tomorrow ...Maybe Expanded Arts will be the one."
Peter Filichia
Theatre Week

Its Shakespeare in the Municipal Parking Lot...a production that the populist Bard himself might well have appreciated."
-Barbara Aria
Time Out , NY

Some highlights from'96 included Expanded Arts' ambitious "94 Plays in 94 Days"..."
-Tom Murrin
Paper Magazine

Expanded Arts has been featured in the Arts and Leasure section of the The New York Sunday Times, WPLJ, WBAI-Radio and WNYC-Radio.

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