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Hartford Stage's Next Act: Upgrades In The Wings

Frank Rizzo

January 17, 2010

Hartford Stage will begin construction in June on the first phase of its makeover, which will include an expansion of the lobby, including more bathroom space, into a city-owned parking area.

This will be the first physical upgrade for the theater in 17 years, and it also will mean an expanded "trap room" beneath the stage; a new ground floor dressing room; upgrades to the lighting, audio equipment and heating and air-conditioning system; and roof repairs.

The project is expected to be finished by October when the 2010-11 theater season, slightly delayed, will begin.

During construction of the $4 million first phase, the theater's SummerStage program will take place at the Roberts Theater at Kingswood-Oxford School in West Hartford.

Bigger changes at Hartford Stage — including a dramatically altered front of the building — are planned for the $6 million second stage of construction, which is now tentatively scheduled for 2012. The goal is to complete the entire project for its theater's 50th anniversary, during the 2013-14 season.

A public fundraising effort is under way for the second phase of the project.