Columbia’s Town Theatre Celebrates 100 Years with Renovations

News Summary

Columbia, South Carolina, is marking the 100th anniversary of the Town Theatre, the oldest community theater in the nation. After a $1 million renovation, the historic venue features upgraded seating, a refreshed lobby, and improved accessibility. The renovations coincide with the upcoming production of ‘Steel Magnolias.’ As the theater prepares for its ceremonial ribbon-cutting, it continues its legacy of engaging the community through performances and education.

Columbia’s Town Theatre Shines Bright After Renovations for 100th Anniversary

Columbia, South Carolina, is celebrating a remarkable milestone as the Town Theatre unveils its freshly renovated space just in time for its centennial birthday. Nestled right across from the S.C. Statehouse, this historic venue first opened its doors way back in 1919. It’s important to highlight that the Town Theatre holds the title of being the oldest community theater building in continuous operation throughout the entire nation, a crown it wears with pride.

In 2018, the theater kick-started a capital campaign to fund renovations, aiming to raise a whopping $1 million. The timing of the renovations has perfectly coincided with the holiday break and the rehearsals for the much-anticipated production of “Steel Magnolias.” The excitement in the air is palpable as this beloved theater gears up for another year of community engagement and theatrical magic.

Renovation Magic Transforming the Space

With a decade of experience at the helm, the executive director has overseen a plethora of improvements to enhance the overall experience of theater lovers. Previous phases of this ambitious capital campaign successfully transformed the basement into the Moreau Youth Theatre Wing, further promoting youth involvement in the arts.

The recent renovations have mainly focused on upgrading the auditorium and lobby, emphasizing aesthetics and comfort for all who enter. The new wider theater seats have been installed, maintaining the classic red color that patrons know and love while preserving the existing number of seats. Additionally, the seating rows have been reconfigured to make it much easier for attendees to access their spots, ensuring noone misses a moment of the action.

But that’s not all! The auditorium floor has received a fresh coat of darker paint, enhancing the visual appeal. To elevate the comfort even further, new carpeting flaunting a chic geometric pattern has been laid, alongside newly installed aisle lighting that adds a touch of safety for evening shows.

A Fresh Look for the Lobby

The lobby area now boasts new wallpaper and tile flooring that breathe fresh life into the venue. The improvements also extend to the box office, ensuring a seamless experience from the moment guests walk through the door. Taking a stroll through the renovated spaces feels like a journey through time, where classical charm meets modern comforts.

Beyond its physical improvements, the theater has a deep-rooted history with notable artists like Jasper Johns and Stanley Donen having enriched its stage. Hosting around 30,000 visitors each year, the Town Theatre is a hub for attendees, cast members, crew, and eager students venturing into the world of performance.

Engagement and Future Plans

An ever-growing youth education program invites young performers to engage with the art and hone their skills through various productions. Collaborations with local university theater groups also attract new patrons, expanding the theater’s community even further.

Looking ahead, Town Theatre seeks to elevate the overall experience for audiences by introducing exciting initiatives like Saturday matinees and allowing beverages in the auditorium, adding to the laid-back vibe of an evening at the theater.

Ready for the Spotlight

The renovations haven’t just stopped at the auditorium and lobby; enhancements have also reached the backstage areas, including dressing rooms, a newly created orchestra pit, and a refreshed courtyard designed for gatherings and community events.

As Columbia gears up for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting signaling the completion of these much-anticipated renovations, excitement is running high. The official unveiling is set to precede the opening of “Steel Magnolias” on February 7, marking an incredible moment for this iconic venue and its cherished place in the heart of the community. The Town Theatre stands ready to continue its legacy of bringing joy, culture, and camaraderie to Columbia for another 100 years!

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Additional Resources

• The Post and Courier: Town Theatre Centennial Renovations
• The Columbia Star: Town Theatre Completes Renovations
• The State: Town Theatre Update
• Cola Today: History of Town Theatre
• Brownstoner: Community Theatre Highlights
• Wikipedia: Town Theatre (Columbia, South Carolina)
• Google Search: Town Theatre Columbia
• Google Scholar: Town Theatre South Carolina
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Theater
• Google News: Town Theatre Columbia