What's happening with the playhouse?

The audience area of the playhouse. Photo by Denny Wendell

After some pandemic delays, things are moving forward for the next phase of the former Huntington Playhouse renovations. Here are some FAQ about the project:

1. The building is in bad shape. Why didn't you tear it down and start over?
When Huntington Playhouse went dark at the end of 2015; the community encouraged BAYarts to save it from demolition. At the time BAYarts was in need of more space, so made a commitment to restore it.

2. What is the historical significance of the playhouse?
The original playhouse burned down in 1970 and had to be rebuilt from the ground up, so it lost its historical designation.

3. Will you resurrect community theater?
Not specifically. The former theater will become an accessible, flexible-use space with a stage, classrooms, music lesson rooms: the possibilities are endless!

4. How is it funded?
BAYarts received a grant from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission of $500,000 but BAYarts had to raise matching funds and then some; several generous donors have helped us move forward but we still have a way to go.

5. How much more do you need to raise?
We need to raise an additional $800,000 for construction and “soft costs,” i.e. the things not covered by construction funds such as equipment, technology, signage, and so on.

6. Are naming rights available?
Yes! Although some have been claimed, this is a wonderful legacy opportunity: visit bayarts.net/playhouse for options or contact Mary Conway Sullivan at mary@bayarts.net.

7. When will it be open to the public?
We plan to unveil the new space at our jubilee Moondance in celebration of our 75th year! Hope to see you there!

Nancy Heaton

Nancy Heaton

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Volume 15, Issue 8, Posted 9:24 AM, 05.02.2023