Chenango River Theatre Receives Grant from Raymond Foundation

The Raymond Foundation of Greene, NY has awarded Chenango River Theatre funding for several projects to help upgrade the company's theatre located south of Greene on State Highway 12.

As the theatre's attendance doubled over the last 7 years, it had become clear that the women's restroom needed additional stalls. Included in the Raymond Foundation's award is funding for this issue. As part of the bathroom renovation, a new water heater for the building will also be installed.

Based on audience feedback, particularly from those with limited mobility, the lack of railings to assist people going up the stairs in the seating area was an issue. The Raymond Foundation award will fund a set of railings up the center of each of the theatre's two main aisles, making it easier for patrons to comfortably reach seats other than the first row.

Also slated for renovation in the seating area is the flooring. Linoleum flooring will be installed over the painted wood floor still in use from the original construction, helping to reduce cleaning time and expense and provide a long term solution.

Another item funded that has often been requested by the public is additional exterior lighting to help them get to their cars after performances. Finally, the theatre will be able to purchase a riding mower of it's own (rather than borrowing one each week) to maintain the lawn around the facility.

In accepting the award, the company's Artistic Director said, "We've been struggling with trying to find ways to solve some of these issues that our audience has brought to us, without taking funds out of our production budgets and hurting the quality of our work. This award from the Raymond Foundation really addresses a range of important needs, and we're grateful to them for having the vision to understand some of the challenges we were facing. We plan to have most of this work completed by the time our 2014 season opens, and certainly all of it should be done before the season is over."

Chenango River Theatre's 2014 season will be announced in March, with over 60 performances scheduled from May to October. To receive a season brochure, call 607-656-8499 and leave your name and address or simply email info@chenangorivertheatre.org with the information.

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