(by Julian Wiles, Charleston Stage Founder and Producing Artistic Director) Recently our production staff toured the Historic Dock Street Theatre to get a first hand look at the renovations. These are on schedule and moving along. The building is going to look stunning when we return. Renovations are over halfway completed, in fact, except for the portico (which should be completed this spring), but the exterior renovations are complete!
Inside there is still a lot of work to be done, but it’s very exciting to see this grand structure coming back together. And yes, the seats will be more comfortable. There will be new comfortable chairs in the balcony, and downstairs the benches are being remade with new seat cushions and (for the first time) cushions for the backs as well. Below are some photos of the ongoing renovations shot by our Property Master Mike Christensen. You’ll also see a view from backstage looking into the auditorium. The large wooden scaffolding was put in place over the seating area to remake the ceiling. It will be removed soon.
Below is a view of the stage from overhead. Note the steel beams that have been added to strengthen the walls to earthquake the building. Most of the walls in the building have had this important seismic reinforcement which is one reason the renovations have taken so long.
Plans still call for the fully renovated Dock Street Theatre to reopen in May 2010 in time for Spoleto. Charleston Stage productions will return to the Dock Street in September 2010. We can’t wait!