What is happening at Trinity Rep?

Trinity Rep will undergo much-needed renovations of its building to meet community and accessibility needs. 

Why does the theater need to be renovated?

When Trinity Rep completed a facilities master plan in 2017, the plan unearthed essential renovations and accessibility needs required for the theater to continue serving its community. Trinity Rep’s historic Lederer Theater Center has not been fully renovated since 1972. The renovation will bring Rhode Island’s Tony Award-winning theater into the 21st century, while making the space more safe and accessible for all. 

What is included in the project?

Accessibility

  • A brand-new elevator will access every story of the building for the first time in Trinity Rep history. Currently, only three of the building’s five stories are accessible without requiring the ability to navigate (42) stairs. This elevator will unlock the remaining two stories for public programming; it also creates first-time elevator access to actors’ dressing rooms, the rehearsal hall, and the costume shop.  

Expansion

  • A 12,000 square foot addition will allow Trinity Rep to significantly expand its public programming, including education and community engagement activities.  
  • Within Trinity Rep’s five-story building, there are 18 “microlevels” that require stairs to access. In tandem with the new elevator, this addition will better connect each floor, offering easier navigation and access throughout. The fifth story spaces (rehearsal hall, costume shop, and studio spaces) will connect to one another without the use of stairs for the first time. 
  • The expansion will allow all staff to work under one roof. Many currently work in rented office space across the street.
  • The project will also expand the theater’s lobby, creating more open space for public gathering and community use. 

The first significant renovation of the Chace Theater since 1972

  • In addition to more comfortable and accessible seating for guests, this renovation will include new convertible seating configurations, an LED lighting grid, and updated stage space. 
  • The current space is dated and limits the kinds of shows we can produce. An updated theater will ensure that The State Theater of Rhode Island can continue to offer our audiences the highest artistic quality, attract the best talent to our stage, and create work of the caliber that you might see in major cities around the world.

A public plaza in Adrian Hall Way, designed by the City of Providence Parks Department.  

  • In partnership with the City of Providence, what is now Adrian Hall Way will be transformed from an alleyway into a public plaza with a pedestrian walkway, better lighting at night, outdoor public gathering spaces, new plantings, and an expanded skate park. This plaza will be designed and operated by the City Parks Department and will complement Trinity Rep’s adjacent expansion, activating a forgotten corner of downtown and better welcoming our community.

What will happen to the skate park on Adrian Hall Way? 

The skate park on Adrian Hall Way will remain completely intact, expanded and upgraded with new design and skate features. The City of Providence is in dialogue with Friends of Adrian Hall Way to finalize a park design. The City has committed funding directly to ensure that the skate park benefits from changes to the alley.  

What will happen to the theater’s historic facade? 

The renovation includes a full restoration of the stunning facade along Washington Street. A new glass addition visible at the corner of Washington and Aborn Streets will complement the building’s historical elements. 

Will the new addition match the rest of the building? 

The new addition to the building is being designed in partnership with the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Parks Service to be in conversation with the historic facade while featuring a modern look and feel.

When will construction begin? 

Trinity Rep must undergo multiple approvals and permitting reviews before breaking ground. In addition to city, state, and national regulatory review, the Lederer Theater Center is under a Historical Easement and on the National Register of Historic Places. All stakeholders impacted by the project must have the opportunity to provide their input and approval of the plan. We plan to begin construction in the first half of 2025.

Why was A Christmas Carol at PPAC in 2024 if construction hadn’t begun? 

We proactively scheduled A Christmas Carol to be offsite in anticipation of starting renovations earlier than turned out to be possible. This allowed us to prepare the Chace for demolition and renovation as we await final permitting.  

When will the project by completed?

We expect to complete the project by the fall of 2026. 

What does this mean for Trinity Rep current programming?

During the construction process, all subscription season plays will be in the Dowling Theatre downstairs. We will announce the location for 2025’s A Christmas Carol later this year.