The NTI has been a leading institution of the Icelandic theatre scene since the formal opening on April 20th 1950. Today the theatre has five separate venues: the Main Stage (Stóra svidid, 500 seats), the Black Box (Kassinn, 140 seats), the Small Stage for Children (Kúlan, 80 seats), The Puppet Theatre Attic (Bruduloftid, 70 seats) and The Theatre Cellar (Leikhúskjallarinn, 100-120 seats). With its varied selection of different productions, The National Theatre endeavours to stimulate interest in theatre and the dramatic arts while encouraging Icelandic playwrights in their writing and supporting the development of other dramatic creations. The NTI stages around 20-30 productions each season (new productions, re-premieres, co-productions and guest performances), comprising a varied repertoire of new Icelandic works, new foreign works, Icelandic and foreign classics, musicals, dance pieces, puppet theatre and children's productions. The theatre stages around ten new productions each year, and also collaborates with independent theatre and dance groups on new productions. The NTI is located in the historical centre of Reykjavik. The building itself, designed by state architect Gudjón Samúelsson, was the architect's vision of the theatre as a Palace of Elves, with reference to ancient Icelandic belief that the elves live inside rocks, and that incidentally humans can enter their colorful world of plenty, dance and song. The National Theatre of Iceland belongs to the Icelandic nation and is funded by the Icelandic Government's Ministry of Education, Science and Culture. The artistic director of The National Theatre is Mr. Magnus Geir Thordarson.