The marquee of the State Theatre in New Brunswick.
With no live events on its schedule until August, the State Theatre in New Brunswick will be having some major renovations done, and will celebrate the start of the work with a “virtual groundbreaking,” Dec. 2 at noon on Facebook.com/StateTheatreNJ.
According to a press release, the improvements will be in three areas: “accessibility and safety; audience and artist experience; and operational efficiency.”
This is being done as part of the theater’s Next Stage Campaign and will prepare it for its 100th anniversary celebration, in 2021.
The projects scheduled to be done, said the press release, “include the priority of becoming ADA accessible with the addition of an elevator, accessible seating throughout the venue, and new restroom facilities. Other renovations include modernizing the stage rigging system, dressing rooms, and lobby spaces — all designed to improve access, experience, and safety of our audiences, artists, and staff.”
In response to the pandemic, air flow will be improved by a new HVAC system, protective barriers will be added at service areas, new “modular seating” will be able to help with social distancing (if necessary), and touchless technology will be installed the the restrooms.
The renovations “will ensure that we preserve our rich history while continuing to serve the community as a state-of-the-art cultural venue far into the future,” said State Theatre president and CEO Sarah K. Chaplin.
Musician Michael Feinstein will speak at the virtual groundbreaking, as will Chaplin and other dignitaries.
CONTRIBUTE TO NJARTS.NET
Since launching in September 2014, NJArts.net, a 501(c)(3) organization, has become one of the most important media outlets for the Garden State arts scene. And it has always offered its content without a subscription fee, or a paywall. Its continued existence depends on support from members of that scene, and the state’s arts lovers. Please consider making a contribution of any amount to NJArts.net via PayPal, or by sending a check made out to NJArts.net to 11 Skytop Terrace, Montclair, NJ 07043.
