The planned renovation and expansion is the result of a comprehensive strategic planning process that was completed by the Board of Trustees in 2002. Based upon the recommendations of the Strategic Plan, a new Master Plan for Thalian Hall was completed and approved by the City in 2003. The total cost of the project is eight million dollars.
The design of the new Playhouse was approved by the Historic Preservation Commission in May of this year. Tentative plans call for construction to begin at the end of 2007 with renovation of Historic Thalian Hall beginning upon completion of the new Playhouse.
Once completed, Wilmington will have one of the finest performing arts complexes in the state and will serve the needs of the Region well into the 21st century. Importantly, the plans ensure that historic Thalian Hall will remain the jewel in Wilmington's cultural crown.
The New Playhouse
The new Playhouse on the corner of Princess and 4th St will be entered through a new landscaped park easily accessed from the street. The facility will have a maximum seating capacity of 465 for concerts and a range of 150 to 300 for theatrical productions. It will have stadium seating for over 300 and will accommodate another 165 seats on the balcony which runs around all four sides and may be used for seating or performances. The new Playhouse will be the most innovative and flexible theatre space in Wilmington and equal to anything in the entire state.
It will be fully equipped with state-of-the-art sound, lighting, 35 millimeter, and digital projection equipment and will not only serve as wonderful theatre and film venue, it will be an excellent meeting space for conferences and community events.
The new Playhouse will have its own catering facilities and will be able to seat 315 patrons for seated dinners and a new reception area in the new Entrance lobby for 225 patrons. Using both the Playhouse and Lobby, the venue will accommodate 400 patrons for a seated dinner and 800 for a stand up cocktail party.
Renovation of Historic Thalian Hall
The 30 year-old seats will be replaced by new state-of-the art theatre seats, a new sloping floor on Main Level and new platforms on the 1st balcony with increased leg room for all rows and improved sight lines.
Improvements will address audience safety and comfort, including ambient lighting, new aisle lighting, new handrails, new exit lights, and upgrades to the HVAC system.
Plans call for the preservation of historical aspects of the auditorium including repainting of decorative stenciling, re-carpeting, installation of a period chandelier, and installation of museum displays on the history of Wilmington theatre throughout the facility.
General refurbishment and upgrades to Lobby, Entrance, and Box Office, and Administrative Offices. Upgrade of phone and ticketing system for the box office. Improved concessions and gift shop. General painting throughout front- and back-of-house spaces.
The stage will upgraded with new stage lighting and sound systems, state of the art lighting instruments, & new lighting positions. New stage curtains will be installed and a new mechanical orchestra pit lift which will expand the stage size with a minimum of time and labor.
