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ImageThe Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, New York opened its newly renovated, year-round theatre with the first public performance of its 36th season on Wednesday, June 16.

Originally built as an airplane hangar in the 1930s, the facility served the Finger Lakes region as a private and commercial airplane hangar, as an indoor ice rink, and a music venue before it was converted into a summer theatre in the 1970s.


The Hangar will continue to focus on professional summer productions and arts-in-education programming-many of those offerings will be expanded in the years ahead. New programming will include a cabaret series in autumn/winter 2010. With heat added and flood-waters abated, the facility will be also available to community groups, businesses and individuals as a rental venue.


The newly named Dorothy D. Park Auditorium continues to hold 349 seats; innovative design by HOLT architects has resulted in an expanded lobby, significantly updated restrooms, and improved backstage areas with minimal addition to the actual building. Parking, outdoor lighting, and landscaping have also been enhanced. This year's summer season will continue into early September, which will allow the college communities to enjoy the theatre's offerings.


The Hangar's renovation is the result of ten years of architectural, programmatic and fund-raising planning. Ultimately, the Hangar's Board of Directors launched a $4.6M capital campaign to renovate the facility and build endowment for future sustainability. With more than 95% ($4.3M+) raised to date, the campaign will continue through December 31, 2010.


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