Theatre: Stage/2
The Latest News
January 12, 2012 After three years of planning and fundraising, the first phase of ASGT's Stage/2 restoration and renovation project got underway in the spring of 2010. Colossal Contractors, Inc. of Burtonsville was selected to complete Phase 1 of the project.
Between March 2010 and opening night in May 2010, the brick walls that form the building's structure were repointed, and the crumbling mortar was replaced with new mortar (it still contains oyster shells!). Passers by would have seen the building totally covered in plastic during this time.
After the 2010 season concluded, work resumed and the brick walls were primed and painted a more historically accurate slate gray. In the fall of 2011, all of the building's doors and windows and were replaced, as well.
This month, work begins to replace the building's aging roof. With the completion of the new roof, Phase 1 will come to an end. ASGT will then begin a capital campaign to raise the $1.3M needed to realize Phase 2 of the building's renovation. This includes many upgrades and improvements to the stage, seating area, lobby, restrooms, dressing rooms, and more.
Please read on to learn more about this project, and how you can help ASGT stand tall for another 45 years!
Click here to make a donation to Stage/2!
The History
Our building at 143 Compromise Street —actually two buildings now combined—was likely constructed around 1800. The last owner to use the site for commerce was the Shaw family, respected blacksmiths who moved their business to Parole in 1960. The building remained vacant for several years. Meanwhile, the Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre (ASGT) formed in the summer of 1966 and presented its first season of shows under the stars at the William Paca House and Gardens on Prince George Street . Searching for a permanent home, ASGT found the empty Shaw shop in 1967 and leased it from the Anne Arundel County Board of Education. The building was transferred to Anne Arundel County ownership in 1973 and sold to ASGT in 1990 for $1.00 with the stipulation that it continue as a community theatre and engage only in cultural education activities. Since then, the Board of Directors and countless volunteers from the community have lovingly maintained the building, theatre, and courtyard garden.
The STAGE/2 project is so named because it represents the second time ASGT has faced the challenge of renovating our historic building—the first being in 1967 when the premises was refurbished for use as an outdoor theatre. Subsequent modifications and improvements have been made, largely with volunteer effort, to improve safety and security, repair damage from natural events like Hurricane Isabel, and keep up with the ravages of time. These efforts at preservation and renovation have been limited in part by funding and in part by the need for a compelling vision.
In 2006—ASGT's 40th Anniversary year—the vision came into focus as the theatre's volunteer leadership committed to an extensive, multi-year makeover of the landmark building. Impelled by the critical condition of the building's exterior, the inefficiencies of its interior and performance spaces, and their belief in the theatre's vibrant future, the Board of Directors embarked on the STAGE/2 project.
Mission
Working with esteemed architect Michael Dowling, ASGT has developed an exciting concept design to invigorate our historic property in three ways:
RESTORE
our building, preserving its historical integrity;
RENOVATE the building and theatre to provide a modern environment conducive to the production of top-quality entertainment; and,
REJUVENATE the spirit of our actors, musicians, production teams, volunteers, and our wonderful audiences, who have supported ASGT for 44 years, and counting!
Best of all…ASGT will remain a "theatre under the stars," a unique outdoor performance venue.
The Benefits
With public funding already secured for Phase 1 of the project, ASGT has commenced with the following improvements, to be completed by fall 2010:
- Brick repointing to strengthen the building's structure,
- Priming and repainting of the exterior,
- New doors and windows,
- The replacement of the building's roof.
Phase two will address the building's interior, with updates to include:
- Expanded restroom facilities,
- Better traffic flow in the lobby,
- Improvements to the courtyard and exterior lighting,
- A lowered stage and sloped house floor with a comfortable walking surface,
- More "leg-and-elbow" room without sacrificing seating capacity,
- Improved sound and lighting capabilities,
- A fully acclimatized building, heated and cooled by geothermal energy and usable year-round,
- An administrative office and meeting room,
Your Role
The price tag for STAGE/2 is significant, roughly equal to our gross box office receipts for the next eleven years! Of course, ticket revenue is required to fund the production of our shows.
To fully realize the STAGE/2 vision, ASGT needs financial support from local, state and federal agencies, foundations, businesses, individuals, and corporate donors, large and small. We'll also need the ongoing support of our devoted fans and volunteers who can assist with fundraising efforts and serve as advocates for ASGT in their communities.
Count me in!
ASGT is a not-for-profit, all-volunteer, outdoor community theatre in downtown Annapolis, Maryland. Thank you for your support!
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January 2012 - Work begins on the new roof
Freshly painted, ready for the 2011 season
May 2011 - Painting for opening night
Winter 2011
The beginning of the Stage/2 restoration, April 2010
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