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ImageStrengthening its growing presence on the regional arts scene, the Kitchen Theatre Company (KTC) has reached its $1.2 million fundraising goal for the Campaign for a Bold New Space.

The capital campaign was launched in early 2009 with a goal of raising $950,000 for the purchase and total renovation of the building at 417 West State / Martin Luther King, Jr. Street. That goal was increased to $1.2 million in October 2009, when campaign organizers realized the high level of support from the community, including a bequest from the estate of Judith Holliday and a gift by the children of Percy Browning in honor of her life-time of philanthropic efforts and her birthday.

“This campaign highlights the generosity of our community and its regard for the unique role that the Kitchen plays in the cultural life of the Finger Lakes region,” says KTC Managing Director, Stephen Nunley. Artistic Director Rachel Lampert adds, “The new theater is a culmination of the wonderful partnerships the KTC has had with local and visiting artists, our devoted patrons and members of the community at large. With our Bold New Space we are able to improve the Kitchen’s production capabilities for the long term while keeping the intimate feel of the theater itself.”

The new theater will seat more people than KTC’s current home in the Clinton House; the capacity will increase from 73 to 99 seats. Other improvements included a high-efficiency heating and cooling system, increased stage space, a 16-foot ceiling height, multiple entrances, full accessibility, and larger restrooms. The new lobby will house an art gallery space and refreshment area.

In all, more than 250 individuals and families, foundations, and area businesses supported the new theater, which will be home to the Kitchen Theatre Company as it begins its 20th Anniversary Season this September. Government sources, including the Tompkins County Room Tax Occupancy Fund, also generated support for the Kitchen’s new home.

"We are thrilled to reach this tremendous milestone for the Kitchen Theatre. Thanks to the generosity of so many Kitchen Theatre supporters, more people in our community will be able to enjoy the engaging, thought-provoking and entertaining productions that the KTC has become known for. We are so fortunate to have high quality and diverse theatre offerings delivered by such a talented organization. Thanks to all who have helped to make this project possible,” says Campaign Co-Chair Greg Hartz.

Campaign Co-chair Percy Browning agrees, adding, “Building a permanent home for the Kitchen is truly a noteworthy accomplishment. The Kitchen Theatre Company is enormously grateful for the hundreds of donations that contributed to the completion of our campaign.” In addition to Hartz and Browning, the 14-member capital campaign committee included community members Fran Benedict, Michelle Benedict-Jones, Jim Bouderau, Mary Pat Dolan, Kathy Garner, Carl Gortzig, Howard Hartnett, Jan Hertel, Jim Mazza, Sylvia Miller, Risa Mish, Carol Travis, Carol True Palmer, and Tanya Vanasse.

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