The Next Phases of Our Transformation

John Bourdeaux, Director of Development

A drawing of the theatre’s new marquee, front entrance and elevator (far right).

The interior of the theatre and the upper lobby are complete, and next summer we will begin the final phase of renovations. This work will continue to increase patron comfort, amenities, and accessibility with the installation of a passenger elevator; renovations of the lower lobby and bar area; relocation and updates to the box office and house manager’s office; and improvements to the building, including a new digital marquee, lighting, signage, and landscaping.

The work will commence in March of 2015 with items that are external to the stage and lobby, which will not interfere with performances. The bulk of the work will be completed in the summer of 2015.

In the summer of 2016, we will also continue to invest in our artists with a complete renovation of the second and third floors of the theatre. The second floor includes the dressing rooms and green room for our actors, and the third floor houses the costume shop, where craftspeople construct each new costume you see on our stage.

These final phases of construction will cost approximately $6 million. Hartford Stage has already received a matching grant of $2.5M from the State Department of Economic and Community Development toward the project as well as several generous gifts. We continue to seek support for this important project and hope that our audiences will help us meet the State’s dollar-for-dollar match.

Architect's rendering of the lower lobby interior. — Architect’s rendering of the lower lobby interior.

All of this work builds on the completed renovation of the John W. Huntington Theatre. The new seats are configured to improve sightlines, particularly when we are producing shows in the proscenium configuration (for productions like A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder). Handicap accessible seating has also been expanded and enhanced both on the ground floor and from the upper lobby of the theatre. The upper lobby was entirely reappointed.

There is still an opportunity to support our renovation and receive recognition in the theatre. Gifts of $2,500 will be recognized with a plaque on one of the available seats in the theatre. It is a way not only to leave your own personal imprint on Hartford Stage but also to honor an organization, memorialize a loved one, or distinguish your business.