It takes a village, so the saying goes.
But in the case of Gamut Theatre, it took a village and volunteers and craftsmen and cash, as Harrisburg’s classic theater this month debuts its new, permanent home in the historic, former First Church of God, moving out of long-time rental space in downtown Strawberry Square right across the street.
The new theater will open with one main stage, but eventually will be home to two performance venues and more classrooms as it continues to expand both in show offerings and education programs.
“In addition, there will be a small stage in the reception lobby for poetry, singer/songwriter events and other smaller presentations,” said Melissa Nicholson, executive director of Gamut Theatre Group. “We are proud to preserve much of the original architecture and be caretakers for the rich history that accompanies it. It is, in my opinion, the perfect place to perform classic stories.”
Gamut relied on more than 150 volunteers (many with day jobs) who donated some 5,700 hours designing and constructing. The core company of actors worked nights and weekends since August to assure the theater will open on Nov. 5 for a private preview party for donors. On Nov. 6, there will be a ribbon cutting with Mayor Eric Papenfuse and an open house for the community. The next evening is the grand opening of the theater’s production of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.”
To date, the theater has raised more than $1.3 million of the $2.5 million needed to complete the project—all of this without the aid of a professional fundraiser.
“We currently have an ask into the PA Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program to cover the Phase I gap in fundraising and to fund Phase II,” Nicholson said. “Phase II will develop the second stage/education center part of the building.”
“All the world’s a stage,” wrote Shakespeare. And, for Gamut, a new stage means a whole new world ahead.
The new Gamut Theatre is located at 15 N. 4th St., Harrisburg. For more information, including how to make donations and buy tickets, call 717-238-4111 or visit www.gamuttheatre.org.
