New Bern Civic Theatre wraps up recent round of renovations, ready to break a leg
Since 2016, the New Bern Civic Theatre has undertaken several renovation projects to not only help enhance the volunteers experience but patrons as well.
After closing down on Dec. 14 for another round of renovations, the NBCT will celebrate a grand reopening today with a ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. followed by a reception and open house from 6-9 p.m. at the theatre, located at 414 Pollock St. in downtown New Bern.
This project brought forth renovations to upgrade the existing bathrooms and to add an ADA (American's with Disabilities Act) bathroom in the lobby area. It was also used to change out all of the seats in the main theatre area, increasing the seating capacity from 268 to 291 and to upgrade some sound equipment.
Before that, the NBCT has made renovations to the building's façade, replacing the HVAC system, additional lobby renovations and upgrades to the Athens Theatre space in order to allow for small performances and provide a larger rehearsal space, explained Neil Oliver, NBCT board of directors.
"We have an amazing group of volunteers that support the theatre along with donors, said Oliver. "There is always a great sense of community and people that want to help and the real push we are doing with these renovations is to address things that have been needed for a while."
An example of that sense of community came during the theatre's seat campaign when they decided to address those renovations. Prior to the new seats being installed, Oliver noted the seats being used had come from a gracious donation from Craven Community College. However, they were in need of repair.
During the campaign to raise money for new seats, the NBCT was fortunate enough to raise enough to add the renovations to the bathrooms and other areas of the theatre.
"The takeaway from this is the renovations we've done backstage, onstage, or in the audience, is to make it a better experience for everyone who comes to participate or see a show," Oliver said.
The show must go on
Just like previous renovations, it does not take the NBCT long to get back on it's feet.
After the open house on Friday, the theatre will welcome Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monologues, which will play Feb. 16, 19, 25-26 at the NBCT. Because of the popularity of the show, the theatre had to add an additional Feb. 26 matinee performance for 2 p.m. As of earlier this week, two shows are already sold out. Tickets and information can be found at newberncivictheatre.org.
Thanks to a co-sponsorship between Baxter’s 1892 and The Law Offices of Oliver and Cheek, the NBCT also welcomes Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill by Lanie Robertson. The production runs Feb. 17, 18, 19, 24-25. The show is rated R due to adult language and content.
Tickets are available online newberncivictheatre.org or through the box office at 414 Pollock Street Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (252-634-9057).
This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: New Bern Civic Theatre wraps up recent round of renovations, ready to break a leg
