The Campaign Story: New Home, Bright Future
A new home for Northern Stage will transform our patrons’ experience and allow us all to appreciate the art in a completely new and exciting way.
— Cyn Barrette, Co-Chair, Campaign for Northern Stage Leadership Committee
In February of 2014, we embarked upon The Campaign for Northern Stage: New Home, Bright Future, a $9 million plan to build a new theater and forge a strong financial foundation. Thanks to the efforts of incredible staff, dedicated Board, intrepid volunteers, and 600 gifts from generous individuals, foundations, and corporations, we have exceeded the fundraising goals of the Campaign.
With this Campaign, we envisioned a beautiful new home in which our artists and audiences converge for delightful theatrical experiences. After almost exactly one year of construction beginning with a groundbreaking ceremony on October 3, 2014, Northern Stage welcomed the public into our new home, The Barrette Center for the Arts, with a ribbon cutting and open house on October 10, 2015.
We envisioned a bright future that included more efficient production shops, improved space for our education programs to thrive, the ability to develop and explore exciting new collaborations and artistic opportunities and a deepening of Northern Stage’s impact on our shared community and on American theater.
On May 11, 2016, we exceeded our $9mm Campaign goal. The Campaign closed June 1, 2016 at a total of $9,276,045. Now, our bright future is being made manifest daily. During the 2015-16 season, Northern Stage’s first in our new home, the Barrette Center for the Arts, the company saw nearly 30,000 patrons attending 6 Main Stage productions – a 26% increase in attendance over the previous season. More than 4,800 people utilized low cost access including $19 Student Tickets and $20 Tuesday tickets. Northern Stage’s education programs for students of all ages grew by 30%, and myriad area organizations and artists have found a welcome in this beautiful new space.
Now, more than ever, Northern Stage is able to change lives, one story at a time. For this, you have our deepest and most sincere gratitude!
Campaign Collaborators
The Campaign for Northern Stage benefited from the leadership and support of valued community members, business partners, The Villages of Hartford, regional organizations, and our incredible donors.
Campaign Leadership Committee
Campaign Co-Chairs: Cynthia & Ray Barrette and Linda & Rick Roesch
Al & Karen Blum • Mary Doyle • Janet Miller Haines & Richard Haines • Fran & Josie Hanlon • Jamie & Nancy Horton • Stuart & Penny Johnson • Sven & Laurie Karlen • Jay & Susan Pierson • Linda & Rick Roesch • Molly Scheu • Hunt & Lynne Whitacre
Campaign Manager: Amanda Rafuse, Director of Development, Northern Stage
Project Manager: Eric Bunge, Managing Director, Northern Stage
Building Partners
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Building Committee
Stuart Johnson – Chair
Eric Bunge • Stuart Duke • Fran Hanlon • Mike Rozell • Suzanne Goldman • Barbara Freeman • Janet Miller Haines
Financing Committee
Jay Pierson – Chair
Eric Bunge • Al Keillor • Janet Miller Haines • Charles Plimpton • Amanda Rafuse • Harry Tether • Hunt Whitacre
Campaign Working Committee
Al Blum – Chair
Jim Adler • Eric Bunge • Carol Dunne • Irene Green • Jamie Horton • Amanda Rafuse • Olivia Scott • Ann Travers
Videos & Links
Click here to learn what a bright future means to Northern Stage Staff members.
Click here to watch a video of construction progress as of January, 2015.
Click here to watch a narrated animated tour of the Barrette Center for the Arts.
Archive of Notes from Campaign Co-Chairs
August 2014 ~ February 2015 ~ April 2015 ~ June 2015 ~ October 2015 ~ December 2015 ~ March 2016 ~ May 2016 ~ June 2016
The Campaign for Northern Stage in the News:
To read the full press release, click here.
Northern Stage Poised to Make Big Impact in their New Home
Northern Stage in White River Junction opens new space
Curtain Rises In WRJ
Curtain Rises on Barrette Center
NORTHERN STAGE CONSTRUCTION FINALE
Northern Stage: Self-sustaining regional theater in White River Junction
Click here to watch a video of our Groundbreaking Ceremony!
Construction Site Art
Northern Stage’s New Theatre Takes Shape
Who Will Fill These Seats?
Northern Stage Makes Plans for a New Building
Northern Stage Announces Plans for a New Theater Building
A Theater’s Second Act
Northern Stage Raises Curtain on New Theater Proposal
New Theater, New World