theater

Ancram Opera House becomes Ancram Center for the Arts

Ancram Opera House is becoming Ancram Center for the Arts, announced co-directors Paul Ricciardi and Jeffrey Mousseau and board President Cathy Redlich at a community open house Saturday, Nov. 25.

“Paul and Jeff’s vision was never just about producing theater; it was about creating a space where storytelling in all its forms — from plays to music to personal narratives — could enrich and connect a community,” said Redlich in her remarks.

“As it has grown, Ancram Opera House’s offerings to the public have kept pace, with free workshops, programs, and events. The new name, Ancram Center for the Arts, not only captures the breadth, depth and creativity of its diverse programs but also serves as an umbrella for the Center’s future growth.”

Mousseau said, “The change aligns our identity more closely with our vibrant array of performances and community events.”

He also described the team’s vision for the new Annex building:

“Our new campus will comprise the existing Ancram Opera House building, with accessibility upgrades, and a recently acquired neighboring house, built in the 1780s, that we’re calling The Annex. Once rehabilitated, The Annex will provide much-needed space to house interns and guest artists, as well as space for the community programs that are core to our vision.”

The Annex will provide space for workshops in playwriting and storytelling for local adults. 

The Annex community room will also be put to use for the storytelling workshops that Ricciardi created for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders at Taconic Hills Elementary School, which have been part of the school’s curriculum since 2020. 

Work on improving accessibility has already begun, with the conversion of office space off the theater lobby into an accessible restroom. Next is the construction of permanent ramping to the theater’s entrance, to be followed by parking upgrades and a covered porch between the two buildings. 

“The evolution of Ancram Opera House from when it reopened its doors eight years ago to today has been nothing short of astounding,” Redlich said. 

For more information go to www.ancramcenter.org

theater

Latest News

Welcome Subscription Offer!

Welcome Subscription Offer!

Special Subscription Offer

Thank you for inquiring about the Welcome Offer, which expired on January 30. Please be on the lookout for new subscriber offers in the future. If you would like to subscribe now, please click the button below or call (860) 435-9873.

Thank you!

Keep ReadingShow less

Frozen fun in Lakeville

Frozen fun in Lakeville

Hot-tub style approach with a sledge-hammer assist at the lake.

Alec Linden

While the chill of recent weeks has driven many Northwest Corner residents inside and their energy bills up, others have taken advantage of the extended cold by practicing some of our region’s most treasured — and increasingly rare — pastimes: ice sports.

I am one of those who goes out rather than in when the mercury drops: a one-time Peewee and Bantam league hockey player turned pond hockey enthusiast turned general ice lover. In the winter, my 12 year-old hockey skates never leave my trunk, on the chance I’ll pass some gleaming stretch of black ice on a roadside pond.

Keep ReadingShow less
reporter's notebook

Garet&Co returns to Norfolk

Garet&Co returns to Norfolk

Emma Brockett, Josalyn Cipkas and Tiffany Oltjenbruns in rehearsal for “From All Angles.”

Elias Olsen

Garet Wierdsma and her northern Connecticut-based dance company, Garet&Co, will return to Norfolk for their third annual appearance with Dance Workshops on the next three Sundays, followed by two performances of “From All Angles” in Battelle Chapel on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 23, at 4 p.m.

In “From All Angles,” audience members will witness Garet&Co translate three of the works presented at their fall show, “Can’t Keep Friends,” danced in the round, where viewers can witness each piece from a new angle.

Keep ReadingShow less
dance