Exciting changes are under way at Syracuse Stage as the region’s premier theater house spruces up its look, inside and out.
Construction has begun on a new outdoor plaza that will incorporate a performance space, bench seating, landscaping, pavers and a few high-tech surprises. The work is expected to be completed mid-November and is funded by the Connective Corridor from monies received through the Empire State Development Corp. and the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York.
“The Connective Corridor is a movement to celebrate art, culture and technology in the community,” says Robbi Farschman, Syracuse University director of community engagement & economic development. “Syracuse Stage plaza will soon showcase innovative and interactive technology that has been developed specifically for the site. It’ll be the first of its kind and a harbinger of some show-stopping things to come!”
“Syracuse Stage is pleased to be collaborating with the Connective Corridor on this wonderfully creative design that celebrates the art of theater. Dramatic, attractive and functional, it will be a fitting welcome to all who visit our building,” says Timothy Bond, Syracuse Stage producing artistic director.
The design for the outdoor plaza is by UPSTATE, an interdisciplinary center for design, research and real estate within the Syracuse University School of Architecture, and incorporates work by SenSyr, an enterprising electronic design company that focuses on human-computer interfacing.
Improvements are also under way inside Syracuse Stage, where staff members are preparing the Storch Theatre for the Sept. 21 opening of the Henry James classic “The Turn of the Screw.” Upgrades include fresh paint, lobby refurbishments and new theater seats. The Storch Theatre is located in the same building as the Archbold Theatre, where most Syracuse Stage productions take place. The entrance is located on Irving Avenue, under the blue awning, half a block from Syracuse Stage’s main entrance.
The exterior enhancements to Syracuse Stage are part of the planned revitalization/streetscape efforts for the Connective Corridor route, which includes East Genesee Street. For construction updates, visit http://connectivecorridor.syr.edu/design-process/june-2011-design-construction-update.
For more information about Syracuse Stage, contact Patrick Finlon at 443-2636 or pjfinlon@syr.edu.
