Capital Repertory Theatre

Theatre Renovation + Historic Rehabilitation

Capital Repertory Theatre

THEATRE RENOVATION + HISTORIC REHABILITATION

In 2017, theREP sought to relocate from its rented facility under a parking garage and purchased a late 1800s vacant bakery building in the Clinton Square section of Arbor Hill to serve as the new home for their theatre and operations.

Expanded Main Stage

To maintain an intimate theatre setting, a critical piece of the project was the removal of a portion of floor plate and timber structure to achive the height for the main theatre with a thrust stage, lighting grid, technical booths, and tiered seating for 300+ patrons with unobstructed sightlines.

Black Box Theatre

A 70-seat black box theatre will allow for greater flexibility in rehearsals and provide a second venue. One of the most creative details was the reconstruction of operable interior shutters, as seen in historic photographs and drawings, to block out or add light when needed.

Inviting Lobby

The open main lobby features a concession area, box office, expanded restrooms, and supports the overflow from the main stage. Refinished original hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, and original wooden timber beams define the interior space and support theREP's mission while respecting the historic significance of the space.

Support Space

The second level of the building houses a VIP Lounge, administrative offices, 6 private actor dressing rooms, and dedicated costume prop shops, amenities that the previous space lacked, to better support the local community.

Project Scope

The historic rehabilitation and renovation of a late 1800s, vacant bakery building into the new, 28,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art home for the Capital Repertory Theatre (theREP) was the result of a neighborhood revitalization, community outreach, and economic development effort to restore a disadvantaged area in downtown Albany.

Financed through Federal and State historic preservation tax credits, New Markets tax credits, Empire State Development and New York State Homes and Community Renewal, as well as theREP’s capital campaign donors, the new theatre will draw increased audiences, strengthen the local business, and promote economic development in an underserved community that can most benefit from theREP’s presence and offerings.

Location

Albany, NY

Completion Date

December 2020

Program

Main Stage, Black Box Theatre, Administrative Offices, Costume and Prop Shops, Support Space, Historic Rehabilitation