Manship Theatre

The Manship Theatre, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a notable cultural institution that has been enriching the community with a diverse array of arts and cultural experiences since its inception in 2005. As an integral part of the Shaw Center for the Arts, the Manship Theatre is a not-for-profit venue that offers performances, film screenings, educational programs, and exhibits. It serves as a testament to the Manship family's longstanding commitment to the performing arts and to making Baton Rouge a better place. Named in honor of Douglas Lewis Manship, Sr., the theatre is a tribute to the Manship family's legacy in media and the arts. The Manship Theatre complex includes several spaces: the 325-seat Main Theater, the Hartley/Vey Studio and Workshop Theatres, and The Gallery at Manship Theatre, all designed to provide an intimate setting for audiences to engage with the arts. The Manship family's history in Baton Rouge dates back to 1909 when patriarch Charles Manship Sr. purchased the city's first daily newspaper, the State-Times. He later launched the Morning Advocate in 1925, establishing a reputation for journalistic integrity and balanced news coverage. His business philosophy centered around investing in the best people and the latest technology, a principle that guided the family's endeavors across generations. Charles Manship Jr. took over the family's media operations after his father's death in 1947. With a journalism degree from the University of Missouri and an M.B.A from Harvard, he continued the family's tradition of community involvement and support for the arts. His brother, Douglas L. Manship Sr., after whom the theatre is named, expanded the family's media presence by pioneering television in Baton Rouge with the launch of WBRZ in 1955. Douglas later succeeded his brother as the publisher of the State-Times and Morning Advocate, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and advocating for press freedoms until his death in 1999. The Manship Theatre stands as a living legacy of the family's passion for the arts and their dedication to the Baton Rouge community. With a focus on providing enriching experiences for all ages, the theatre continues to uphold the Manship family's values through its programming and outreach efforts. The theatre's commitment to the arts is further supported by its staff, board members, sponsors, and the community it serves. Located at 100 Lafayette Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70801, the Manship Theatre invites patrons to explore its offerings, support its mission through donations and sponsorships, and participate in its events. For more information, interested parties can contact the theatre at 225-344-0334 or sign up for its eNewsletter to stay informed about upcoming performances and initiatives.