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For 166 years the Fulton Theatre has been a home for the performing arts in Lancaster, PA. Please join us as we continue to Engage Life Through Art in our community.

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The Fulton Theatre Is Poised for a Breakout Performance

Evolve

Create a fresh experience for its audience members while supporting growth in artistic talent and production capabilities.

Elevate

The Fulton will be able to stage productions on a national scale comparable to the most sophisticated theatre producers in the nation.

Inspire

Create a welcoming streetscape environment that attracts patrons, visitors and performers to the area.

Evolve

To develop gradually, especially from a simple to a more complex form

When something evolves, it changes over time. It transforms for the better while maintaining roots in its origin. An evolution is gradual in nature, yet it brings about desired and needed change. The Fulton Theatre is poised for the next step in its own evolution.

Achieving that evolution requires tangible work along with updated tools and increased space. The changes to the facility will create a fresh experience for its audience members while supporting growth in artistic talent and production capabilities.

Atrium Lobby The sky-lit atrium lobby will bridge our existing lobby and the education building on Grant Street. The expanded space will allow up to 1,400 patrons to gather.
Producer's Circle Lounge The Producer’s Circle Lounge is a private, intimate gathering area. The lounge includes a refreshment area, restroom, and a coat room to host Producer’s Circle events as well as private parties.
Restrooms The updated restroom facilities in the atrium provide 13 additional facilities in both the men’s and ladies’ rooms. A private family restroom will also be available.
Atrium Lobby Bar The Atrium Lobby Bar will be a centerpiece for gathering before, during and after performances.

Evolve Highlights

Gathering Spaces

Improve audience experience before, during and after the shows with a new, expanded lobby space.

Provide for additional special event opportunities and community partnerships.

Restroom Facilities

Increase the number of restrooms by more than 80%.

Addition of family bathrooms.

Elevators

Update to the electrical system and digital mechanics in the existing elevator.

Add a new elevator to improve access to the Tell Studio Theatre.

HVAC System

Provide back-up redundancy.

Create zone heating and cooling to address varying temperatures in large audience areas.

Elevate

To rise or lift something up to a higher position

By making strategic and critical changes to the building through this Breakout Performance campaign, the Fulton Theatre will be able to stage productions on a national scale comparable to the most sophisticated theatre producers in the nation.

Because of the renovation and enlargement of the existing stage and rehearsal spaces, multiple shows can be produced simultaneously. More backstage space will allow the Fulton to use and store multiple sets as well as provide space for actors to more easily transition to and from the stage.

The additional rehearsal space will monumentally improve the ability to rehearse larger productions. Having space to rehearse that accommodates the set of the show will increase the production schedule, decrease dark periods and aid in running repertory - all of which will allow patrons to see more than one show within the same week.

Multipurpose Event Space The performance and rehearsal studio will be able to be transformed into a beautiful event space for both Fulton patrons and our community. The space will hold up to 200 people.
Performance and Rehearsal Studio The new performance and rehearsal studio will allow the Fulton to rehearse full productions on-site. The space will feature sprung dance floors and mirrors and will be two stories in height to accommodate all choreographic needs.

Elevate Highlights

Backstage Right Expansion

Allow for actor staging and set storage – key to producing more than one main-stage show at a time.

Eliminate the current dependency on external storage for set pieces.

Rehearsal Studio Addition

Create the ability to rehearse large-scale, Broadway-style shows.

Give actors the opportunity to rehearse with sets and props.

Provide flexibility to rehearse one show during the day and perform a different show in the evening, decreasing the dark periods between shows.

Stage Equipment and Prep Area Updates

Improve the rigging (used to fly scenery), lightning and sound systems that will allow the Fulton Theatre to produce shows at a competitive level with other modern theatre companies.

Improve existing dressing rooms and green rooms, as well as create dressing rooms for 4th floor Tell Studio Theatre.

Inspire

Fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially something creative

Through significant generosity, the Fulton Theatre has custody of a number of surrounding properties and seeks to create a welcoming streetscape environment that attracts patrons, visitors and performers to the area. The resulting increase in foot traffic will have a direct economic impact on surrounding businesses in the community.

King Street Our beautification project continues with projects to rebuild the historic storefronts on the 100 block of West King Street. The top three floors will provide on-site housing for visiting artists to the Fulton stage with newly renovated apartment spaces, while the first floor will support new retail opportunities.
Artist Housing This project will feature 26 artist apartments, which include one-bedroom apartments, spacious star apartments and comfortable studio apartments.
Artist Housing The Fulton’s guest artists often stay at the theatre for six to twelve weeks to prepare and perform for our productions.

Inspire Highlights

Updates to King St Streetscape

Renovate buildings to include the original appearance of red bricks and cornices.

Be used for artist housing.

Encourage business activity that attracts pedestrian interest.

Growing the Endowment Fund

Provide funds for ongoing capital needs.

Support the development of a wider range of productions.

Keep ticket costs affordable.

Breakout Performance Donate Now