Geva Theatre Receives $2 Million from NY State

GeVa Theatre Center has just been awarded $2 million for capital improvement and restoration on the 141 year-old building through members of Rochester's State Assembly Delegation, secured with help from Assemblyman Joseph Morelle, D-Irondequoit. This award is not just an investment in the physical structure, but an investment in the community, ultimately creating a more welcoming atmosphere for the over 160,000 visitors to GeVa Theatre Center each year.

"This is more than simply an investment in a single arts venue," said Assemblyman Morelle. "It's an investment in the concept and vision of downtown Rochester as a cultural nexus for our entire region. Geva has been a mainstay of our arts community for nearly four decades, and I'm pleased to be able to help sustain that tradition into the future."

GeVa Theatre Center has proudly inhabited the historic New York State Arsenal Building on the corner of South Clinton and Woodbury Street for nearly a quarter of a century. Living within a structure with such an illustrious history on both local and national stages carries with it enormous responsibility. Protecting and preserving the structure for the future while making it relevant, accessible and comfortable to today's public is paramount to all Geva staff and supporters.

Geva formally thanked Assemblyman Morelle for his aid in securing these funds and outlined details of how the funds will be used at a press conference held at GeVa Theatre Center at 10am on Wednesday, October 14.

The $2 million grant will be used for the following improvements and/or restoration:

Structural Renovations

* Replace the roof
* Clean and Repair Masonry
* Correct structural damage on the Wood Cornice and Exterior Roof Façade

Audience-Related Upgrade

* Upgrade the Acoustics in the Mainstage
* Lobby Restroom Renovation
* Box Office Renovation
* Coat Room Renovation

Equipment Upgrades

* Purchase a new Mainstage Lighting Board
* Purchase new curtains for the Mainstage
* Upgrade the current H/VAC Control System
* Upgrade both the Costume and Props Shop
* Upgrade Office Space
* Upgrade the basement restrooms used by visiting artists
* Renovate the basement housing Mainstage and Nextstage green rooms, wig & laundry rooms

Throughout its 38 year history, Geva has been a cultural resource rippling through the region. In addition to its audiences, over 40,000 people annually participate in the theatre's education programs. GeVa Theatre Center hosts numerous community events and over the past three years has helped to raise over $600,000 for other area non-profit organizations. Geva will host the National Community Theatre Festival in June of 2011 which will attract hundreds from all over the country to Rochester.