The last of the three AT&T Performing Arts Center venues — after the Winspear Opera House and the Wyly Theatre — officially opens Thursday at noon with an invitation-only dedication ceremony, attended by Mayor Tom Leppert, SMU president Gerald Turner and members of the Strauss family. The new outdoor amphitheatre, designed by Foster + Partners, the architects of the Winspear, replaces a temporary festival stage on the site — and is named after the former Dallas mayor, a longtime supporter of the arts. Tucked under the solar canopy of the Winspear, Strauss Square has seating for 2,400 (give or take).

The full release follows:

AT&T Performing Arts Center Annette Strauss Square Dedication to Take Place on September 30, 2010

Mayor Leppert, Civic Leaders to Honor Venue’s Namesake, Mayor Annette Strauss

WHAT: The AT&T Performing Arts Center will dedicate and cut the ribbon of the Annette Strauss Square, along with city officials, members of the Strauss family and other guests.

Annette Strauss Square is the Center’s outdoor venue named in honor of Annette Strauss, the late former Mayor of Dallas and champion of the Dallas Arts District.

WHEN: Thursday, September 30, 2010, 12 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: Annette Strauss Square at the AT&T Performing Arts Center
2403 Flora Street, Dallas TX
Valet parking available on Flora Street

WHO:
Speakers include
Mayor Tom Leppert
Dr. R. Gerald Turner, president, Southern Methodist University
Ted Strauss

Performance by
Division of Dance Class of 2014, Meadows School of the Arts
Vocalists John Campione and Laura Smolik
Pianist Lewis J. Warren (13-year-old prodigy)

DETAILS: Strauss Square replaces a temporary structure, called Annette Strauss Artist Square, that opened in the early 1990s on the site where the AT&T Performing Arts Center now stands. The old Strauss Square, named in honor of the late Annette Strauss (1924 – 1998), a revered former Mayor of Dallas, passionate supporter of the performing arts and an ardent proponent of the Dallas Arts District, was a simple stage and awning, surrounded by level lawn areas, used for community festivals and events.

With lawn seating for up to 2,400, the new Strauss Square provides a serene setting for outdoor performances, festivals and events in the heart of the downtown Dallas Arts District. The venue was designed by Foster + Partners, under the direction of Pritzker Prize-winning architect Norman Foster, to complement the adjacent Winspear Opera House, also designed by Foster + Partners. The primary feature of Strauss Square is the Shannon and Ted Skokos Pavilion, which contains rigging for lighting and sound equipment.