Maltz Jupiter Theatre Announces Plans for a Major Expansion

Want to see the next Hamilton or Wicked before it hits it big?

How about taking classes at a premiere professional Conservatory, or seeing an avant-garde new play performed in an intimate space?

You may get your chance within the next five years at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, with a fundraising campaign for a major expansion unveiled today that could lead to the launch of Broadway's next hit shows in South Florida and more.

The Theatre has proposed an ambitious expansion that will improve production facilities and add educational opportunities for the not-for-profit regional theatre. Under the current plan, the Theatre's improved stage will be ten feet deeper and six feet wider on either side, enabling the Theatre to qualify for Pre-Broadway and National Tours. A third-floor rehearsal studio will provide actors with a view, and residents will have the opportunity to see actors working and rehearsing. A proposed second space will provide the opportunity for audience diversity. The Theatre's Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts will double in size, allowing students the opportunity to receive a high-quality, dynamic arts education in state-of-the-art facilities.

"Our goal is to become one of the great professional regional theaters in the country. We believe the Maltz Jupiter Theatre can not only be the best regional theater in Florida, but one of the best regional theaters in the nation," said Andrew Kato, producing artistic director and chief executive. "With attendance at an all-time high, our success has confirmed a positive trend at our Theatre: the need to grow. Now, we need the public's help to make our dream of expansion a reality."

The expansion is expected to cost between $25 to $30 million. With architectural plans approved by the Jupiter Town Council in October, the proposed plan would double the square footage of the building without impacting the 617-seat audience chamber's intimacy.

"The Maltz Jupiter Theatre has been Jupiter's treasure for more than a decade, and this expansion can only enhance our cultural activities in Jupiter and the north county area," said Jupiter Mayor Todd Wodraska. "We're very excited to seeing them kick off the fundraising campaign for their expansion."

Under the leadership of Kato, a strong board of directors and staff, the Theatre has produced over 65 productions and annual subscriptions have grown to a record-breaking 7,732 (much higher than comparable regional theatres across the country). Attendance at the award-winning theatre has doubled, growing from 50,000 to more than 100,000 annual patrons.

"The Theatre will benefit enormously by having a second space in which to try out new material," said Rodger Hess, board member and Broadway producer. "Each new successful show becomes an annuity if the show goes on to have a profitable future."

During Kato's tenure (now celebrating 11 years at the helm of the Theatre), the Theatre has earned numerous Carbonell Awards, South Florida's highest honor of artistic excellence. The Theatre has achieved a fully-funded $10 million endowment, completed a $2.5 million expansion and renovation in 2013 and opened its popular Conservatory in 2007, now attended by over 600 students annually.

The project's architectural designer, Currie Sowards Aguila Architects, has been involved with the Theatre for more than a decade. The visionary firm has designed and master-planned public and private projects throughout South Florida including the catalyst of the city of Delray Beach's revitalization, the Old School Square Cultural Arts Complex. Established in 1969, a drive, walk or bike through communities throughout the tri-county region and the Florida Keys offers a snapshot of the firm's architectural portfolio including theaters, parks, fire rescue stations and government buildings. The cornerstone of the firm's practice is the design of special and sustainable public spaces and venues for the community's enjoyment coupled with functional and fiscally sound design.

Currie Sowards Aguila Architects has found professional success as a highly respected architectural firm in the state of Florida and been honored with more than 65 building and planning design awards. In 2000, the firm was presented with the prestigious Firm of the Year Award by the Florida American Institute of Architects.

The Theatre hopes to raise the funds for the project through the next two seasons and break ground on the expansion at the end of the Theatre's 2017/18 season. Construction is expected to be fully completed in phases by November 2019, with a plan in place for the Theatre's staff to continue working and the Conservatory to continue operating offsite during the renovations.

"It's a very important asset for us to be able to attract visitors to the area who really love culture," said Glenn Jergensen, executive director of the Tourist Development Council of Palm Beach County. "Those cultural tourists will come down and spend more money. It's a great economic benefit for everyone."

The fundraising campaign was announced at a cocktail celebration for media, held Monday, October 24. An interactive public display is now on display throughout the 2016/17 season in the Theatre's lobby. Visitors will be treated to exciting videos detailing the Theatre's future plans, as well as the opportunity to view a detailed model that showcases the future of the Theatre.

John Couris, Board Chairman and president and chief executive officer of Jupiter Medical Center, encouraged the public to stop by the display in the lobby and learn more about joining the Theatre in its exciting future plans.

"The Theatre has proven that it is a great investment. And that's what investors want; they want to know that they're investing their money into a great organization that will produce great returns," he said. "This isn't an end point; it's just the beginning of a very, very exciting future for the Theatre."

For more information about the expansion or to contribute, visit www.jupitertheatre.org/believe.

About the Maltz Jupiter Theatre
The not-for-profit Maltz Jupiter Theatre has become one of Florida's preeminent professional theatres, committed to production and education through its collaborations with local and national artists. Currently the state's largest award-winning regional theatre, the Theatre draws 100,000 people annually, serves a subscription base of more than 7,732 and has world-class classroom facilities in support of its Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts, which serves hundreds of youth and adults. The Theatre is a member of the prestigious League of Resident Theatres and has earned numerous Carbonell Awards, South Florida's highest honor for artistic excellence, including the prestigious Bill Von Maurer Award for Theatrical Excellence. For more information about the Theatre's upcoming shows and Conservatory, visit www.jupitertheatre.org or call the box office at (561) 575-2223.