Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts creates new outdoor performance spaces

10 new venues will be created to allow for the return of live theater.

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts have announced a new initiative to encourage live theater to return to New York City once more. Titled Restart Stages, 10 new rehearsal and performance spaces will open again, getting artists back to work after a year of closed theatres.

Restart Stages is being developed in coordination with NY PopsUp, a state-wide festival including over 300 live events with Broadway stars including Gavin Creel and Shoshana Bean taking part.

"The cultural community has an urgent role to play in the revitalization of New York" said Lincoln Center president and CEO Henry Timms. He continued to say: "We are building this outdoor campus to be ready, so that when the time comes, we do not miss a single day. We will fling our metaphorical doors wide open on day one in celebration of New York and the resolute, remarkable people who make it the best city on earth."

Restart Stages will launch on April 7, with a special performance dedicated to frontline healthcare workers. Some events will be available to watch via international livestreams.

Upcoming shows at Lincoln Center Theater include Lynn Nottage's Intimate Apparel and Flying Over Sunset.

^{Photo credit: Lincoln Center Restart Stages (Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center and ajay_suresh on Flickr under CC 2.0)}