PLAYHOUSE TO BEGIN RENOVATIONS
Just over three years ago, the Oak Ridge Community Playhouse began an ambitious endeavor to honor the contributions and the memory of Paul Ebert, Playhouse director for over 36 years. The purpose of this endeavor was to raise sufficient funds to renovate the Playhouse auditorium and lobby and consequently improve the quality of the physical condition of the Playhouse to match the quality and excellence of the productions.
Because of tremendous support from our community, led corporately by UT-Battelle and individually by many season subscribers and community members, key Phase I improvements will begin on December 6, immediately after the final performance of “Scrooge!”
Conceptual Rendering by McCarty Holsaple McCarty Architects
Key improvements include:
Installation of a new electronic marquee
Installation of new carpet and upgraded lighting in the auditorium and lobby
Refinishing of the original hardwood floors
Brand new seating and house curtain in the auditorium
New wall coverings throughout
Installation of a permanent sound operator booth
Installation of Hardi-Plank siding and complete exterior painting
Restoration of lobby windows
Impressed by their work on the new Clayton Center for the Arts as well as the Historic Tennessee Theatre renovation, the architecture and design firm McCarty Holsaple McCarty was selected by the Playhouse Board of Directors to lead this project. “This is a wonderful community project,” said Douglas McCarty, president of the firm. “Restoration of windows along the east wall of the lobby, part of the original structure built in the 1940’s, will provide terrific natural light to the interior.”
Michael Bundy, Capital Improvement Co-Chair, said support has come from many individuals in the community as well as from people across the country. “It is amazing how many lives the Playhouse impacted in a positive way since it first opened over 65 years ago. Many of these folks still support the mission of the Playhouse, even from far away. A long-time supporter of the Playhouse living in Kansas sent a donation for $3,600 in honor of his mother who was active in the Playhouse. The $3,600 was $100 for each year Mr. Ebert was director.”
According to David Bradshaw, Capital Improvement Co-Chair, corporate support for the performing arts in the Oak Ridge community has been fantastic. “Our lead donor was UT-Battelle, whose early contribution and unflagging support of the project truly pushed the project from only a dream to certainty. Other corporate supporters include Oak Ridge Associated Universities, URS Corporation, EnergySolutions, The Community Reuse Organization of East TN, ORNL Federal Credit Union, Perceptics Foundation, B&W Y-12, SunTrust Foundation, and EI Review/Street Legal Industries.”
Mary Ann Hardy, Board President, remarked that the long-time support provided by season subscribers continued with this capital project. “Our season subscribers and long-time Playhouse supporters are why we did this project. Focus groups early in the process helped identify major capital needs, and once identified, our membership stepped forward and supported the needed improvements.”
Mrs. Hardy noted that fundraising continues through the holidays with the possibility of including additional improvements during this renovation that were actually planned for later. “We are providing individuals and families the opportunity to have a nameplate placed on one of the new Playhouse seats recognizing gifts of $250 or more. With several of the 300-plus seats already taken, we hope this campaign will allow us to include additional upgrades.”
Reggie Law, Managing Artistic Director, believes the improvements will help enhance the audience experience when seeing shows at the Playhouse. “Without the audience, there is no theater. And a positive patron experience will only contribute to a positive experience for our volunteer performers and technicians.
Work is scheduled to begin before the Thanksgiving Night opening of the holiday production, “Scrooge!” Throughout the renovations, the Playhouse will maintain their operating schedule and productions will continue as planned through completion in the project in early Spring.
For more information, please contact Mary Ann Hardy, Playhouse Board President at 865-804-0715 or David Bradshaw, Capital Campaign Co-Chair at 865-300-8266.
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