GETTING RENOVATIONS UNDERWAY: Plans to update the State Theatre NJ in New Brunswick, as shown in this rendering, will improve safety, efficiency, accessibility, and more.

State Theatre New Jersey will hold a virtual groundbreaking event to celebrate the start of major renovations as part of the Next Stage Campaign on Wednesday, December 2 at 12 p.m. The event will be hosted on the State Theatre’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/StateTheatreNJ.

Speakers will include State Theatre’s President and CEO Sarah K. Chaplin and Board Chair Scott Fergang; Next Stage Campaign Co-Chairs Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners Director Ron Rios and New Brunswick Mayor Jim Cahill; and Next Stage Campaign Honorary Chair and musician, Michael Feinstein.    

Funds raised for the renovation of the 100-year old building, which is owned by Middlesex County and operated by State Theatre New Jersey, represent a public and private partnership between State Theatre New Jersey; Middlesex County; and many corporate, foundation, and individual donors who support and recognize the impact the theater has on the arts, the economy of the region, and the well-being of its citizens. The primary plans for the non-profit State Theatre’s renovation are guided by three major initiatives: accessibility and safety, audience and artist experience, and operational efficiency. The upgrades include the priority of becoming ADA accessible with the addition of an elevator, accessible seating throughout the venue, and new restroom facilities. Other renovations include modernizing the stage rigging system, dressing rooms, and lobby spaces, all designed to improve access, experience, and safety of audiences, artists, and staff.   

The improvements made critical by the COVID-19 crisis include the replacement of the HVAC system to improve air flow control and filtration, the installation of protective barriers at service areas, the installation of new modular seating to facilitate social distancing if required, and the addition of touchless technology in all restroom facilities.

For more information on the renovations or how to donate to the Next Stage Campaign, visit STNJ.org/NextStage.