Posted: January 18, 2012
After ten years of planning and research, Ensemble Theatre Company of Santa Barbara has publicly launched its Ensemble at the New Vic capital campaign. The project will completely renovate the 80-year old Victoria Community Hall at 33 West Victoria Street, transforming the facility into a modern, intimate, 300-seat theater.
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| Derek A. Westen, Léni Fé Bland and Jonathan Fox |
The New Vic will become the permanent home for Ensemble and complete the City's long-term vision for a downtown performing arts district to serve the broader arts community. The New Vic will be an exceptional venue for lectures, dance, ballet, chamber music, film, and a rich variety of performing arts.
In just over a year, we have raised $6.9 million toward the $9.9 million needed for the renovation. More than 50 campaign volunteers are working diligently to reach $8-$8.5 million needed before we break ground this spring. In addition to the renovation costs, the campaign will raise $4.5 million in endowment and stabilization funds.
With the Santa Barbara-based architectural firm PMSM, we are close to completion of final designs for the project. We are thrilled to report that we have received unanimous approval of the Historic Landmarks Committee for necessary improvements to the entry and the stage house portion of the building which still preserve the historically-important and familiar exterior architecture of the building. With the continued success of fundraising, we anticipate our grand opening in fall 2013.
At the New Vic, Ensemble will continue its youth-oriented programs and will be able to grow its main-stage productions into a broader range of plays. With a larger stage and state-of-the-art lighting, sound and technical capabilities, the New Vic will provide expanded opportunities for more complex production designs, and larger cast shows, as well as musicals and dance productions. We look forward to becoming a home to the rich variety of offerings from Santa Barbara's artistic community.
Prominent donor tribute and naming opportunities are still available. For more information, please contact the Ensemble's development office at 805-965-5400 x105.
Board of Directors
Ensemble Theatre Company
