Everyman's Celebration at the Town

Yesterday, Everyman Theatre opened the doors of its future home--the old Town Theatre, across the street from the Hippodrome--to give the public a peek before extensive renovations begin.

Everyman Board President Zelig Robinson, Managing Director Ian Tresselt, Artistic Director Vincent Lancisi, Mayor Sheila Dixon (out doing the city's business, while a jury deliberated her fate just a few blocks away), and City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake gave progress reports on the project, which will move Everyman from its current Charles Street home to the Town in 2011.

Everyman represents a key component of the Westside redevelopment, and its renovations will cost upwards of $17 million. After Mayor Dixon committed $900,000 of city money yesterday, Everyman will need to raise a little more than $2 million to meet its fundraising goals.

Lancisi noted that the Town was built with a 2,000 seat capacity, but Everyman will remain committed to maintaining its intimate feel, and the new theater will seat 250. Its new home--as envisioned by architects Cho Benn Holback & Associates--will also include rehearsal rooms, workshops, administrative offices, and classrooms. Above are renderings of the new theater's facade and lobby.

[Images: courtesy Everyman Theatre]