Hilberry Theatre
The Hilberry Theatre, located on Cass Avenue in the University Cultural Center of Detroit, began its life as a Christian Science church and subsequently served as a prominent theater venue affiliated with Wayne State University for over half a century. Originally constructed as a lavish house of worship, the building underwent significant renovations in the early 1960s to become a dedicated performance space, named in honor of a former university president.
History
The building that would become the Hilberry Theatre was initially constructed for the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Detroit chapter, opening on March 4, 1917. At the time of its construction, the *Detroit Free Press* reported it was the most expensive structure in the city[1]. Designed by the architectural firm of Field, Hinchman & Smith (now SmithGroupJJR) and built by Bryant & Detwiler Construction Co., the Neoclassical church featured stately Roman columns and a large, ornate interior. The structure spanned 120 feet in width and 150 feet in length, containing over 22 rooms, and originally accommodated 1,510 congregants[2]. The interior boasted walnut doors and ivory ornaments, and housed an organ manufactured by the Austin Organ Co. of Hartford, Connecticut.
However, by the 1950s, attendance at the church began to decline, mirroring a trend observed in other Christ Scientist congregations. Recognizing the growth of nearby Wayne State University, the church initiated negotiations with the university regarding a potential sale. In June 1961, Wayne State purchased the building for $250,000 (equivalent to approximately $2 million today, adjusted for inflation)[3]. The church continued to utilize space within Wayne State’s Community Arts Auditorium for a time, paying $22,500 annually in rental fees, but this arrangement ultimately contributed to a further decline in its congregation, which dwindled from 1,500 to just 300 members. The church’s reading room, previously located next to Marwil’s bookstore on Cass Avenue, was eventually closed and demolished to make way for university housing[4].
Renovation and Reopening
Following the purchase, Wayne State University undertook a substantial renovation of the former church building to transform it into a theater. Alden B. Dow, an architect based in Midland, Michigan, designed the alterations, which included removing all but 550 of the original seats, concentrating them within the first 40 feet of the stage. The redesigned auditorium was modeled after the theater in Stratford, Ontario, known for its Shakespearean productions[5]. In addition to the auditorium, the renovations incorporated classrooms for lectures and drama instruction, with the entire project costing approximately $85,000.
The renovated building officially reopened in January 1964 as the Hilberry Classic Theatre, named in tribute to Wayne State’s fourth president, Dr. Clarence B. Hilberry[6]. Dr. Hilberry had previously served as an English professor at the university before transitioning into administration[7]. To commemorate the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth, Wayne State thespians performed a number of his plays, prompting a reviewer for the *Detroit Free Press* to jokingly suggest the theater should be renamed “Stratford-on-Hancock-and-Cass”[8].
The Hilberry Theatre Company
The Hilberry Theatre became the home of the Hilberry Theatre Company, a graduate repertory company associated with Wayne State University’s Department of Theatre. The company provided a performance platform for students pursuing advanced degrees in acting and technical theater[9]. The repertory format allowed the company to stage multiple productions concurrently, offering audiences a diverse range of theatrical experiences.
In December 2014, the Hilberry Theatre Company presented William Wycherley’s Restoration comedy *The Way of the World* for the first time in its 52-year history[10]. The company continued to produce a variety of plays, contributing to the cultural landscape of Detroit and providing valuable training opportunities for aspiring theater professionals. As of November 2022, the Hilberry Theatre was preparing for its next act, with plans for future renovations and continued performances[11].
Architecture and Design
The Hilberry Theatre’s architectural style reflects its origins as a Neoclassical church. The exterior is characterized by stately Roman columns, a testament to the original design by Field, Hinchman & Smith[12]. While the interior underwent significant changes during the conversion to a theater, certain original features, such as the walnut doors and ivory ornaments, were preserved. The redesign, overseen by Alden B. Dow, focused on creating an intimate auditorium space modeled after the theater in Stratford, Ontario.
The reduction in seating capacity from 1,510 to 550 created a more focused performance environment. The placement of the seats within the first 40 feet of the stage aimed to enhance the connection between performers and audience members. The incorporation of classrooms within the building underscored the Hilberry Theatre’s role as an educational facility, supporting Wayne State University’s Department of Theatre. The building’s location on Cass Avenue, within the University Cultural Center, further integrated it into the city’s artistic and academic community.
Theatre in Detroit
Wayne State University
University Cultural Center (Detroit)
Architecture in Detroit