Ridgefield Theater Barn on Halpin Lane.
The Ridgefield Theater Barn, which announced expansion plans a year ago, is currently in the fund-raising portion of the project.
“We’re in the process of raising funds to put an addition on the back of the theater,” said Wayne Leiss, executive director of the Ridgefield Theater Barn, a non-profit organization that has raised $75,000 of $750,000 needed for the project.
The theater at 37 Halpin Lane seats 70 people and has a stage that is 20 feet deep by 24 feet wide.
Plans approved a year ago by the Planning and Zoning Commission include a small office upstairs, a workshop to build sets between shows, a costume shop upstairs, a leveling of the backstage area to make it stage-level, a classroom for kids programs, a second classroom and conference room that can be rented out, and a black box performance space for small productions like poetry slams that do not require full sets.
“With the addition of a scene shop on the main stage level, we will be able to turn around sets quicker, allowing us more rehearsal time for main stage work. Currently we have to wait until one show has closed to begin construction of another,” he said.
“Wing space for the main stage will allow greater flexibility in the types of performances we can produce. It will also allow for entrances from another part of the stage without coming through the audience.
The theater volunteers would like the groundbreaking to happen this summer, but there’s no guarantee that can happen since fund raising is involved.
The Theater Barn is in its 50th year and has been hosting shows since the mid-1970s.
Raising funds is a challenge.
“We have a network, but we’re a volunteer organization, and getting volunteers involved in the organization and raising money” is always a challenge, he said.
The group hosts 34 weekends per year of performances, “which is a lot for a volunteer organization,” he said.
The last expansion was in 2008, when a box office, rehearsal room, upstairs bathrooms for the theater, and technical space were added.
The addition planned is roughly 2,330 square feet, almost doubling the size of the downstairs facility.
Ridgefield is fortunate to have such a vibrant and active arts community, said Jennifer Zinzi, executive director of the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce.
“When you think about the size of the town and the fact that you can visit museums, attend theater performances, enjoy live music acts, and so much more, it truly is amazing,” Zinzi said. “What is even more incredible is the generosity of not only residents but sponsors as well. They support these organizations because they understand the importance of keeping the arts alive. Ultimately, by supporting the arts, you continue to make Ridgefield a destination, and many businesses, including retailers and restaurants, benefit from this.”
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