[Capdist-announce] Ancram Opera House Becomes Ancram Center for the Arts

[Lauren Letellier]

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*



*Ancram Opera House Becomes Ancram Center for the Arts*



Reflecting its growth as a regional creative hub serving the Hudson Valley,
Berkshires and Litchfield County, Ancram Opera House is taking on the new
name of Ancram Center for the Arts.



The announcement was made November 25 by Ancram Opera House Co-Directors
Paul Ricciardi and Jeffrey Mousseau and Board President Cathy Redlich at a
Community Open House attended by area residents, supporters, and staff.



“The evolution of Ancram Opera House from when it re-opened its doors eight
years ago to today has been nothing short of astounding,” said Redlich in
her remarks to the standing-room-only crowd. “Paul and Jeff’s vision was
never just about producing theatre; it was about creating a space where
storytelling in all its forms--from plays to music to personal
narratives--could enrich and connect a community. As it has grown, Ancram
Opera House’s offerings to the public have kept pace, with free workshops,
programs, and events. The new name, Ancram Center for the Arts, not only
captures the breadth, depth and creativity of its diverse programs but also
serves as an umbrella for the Center’s future growth.”


Explaining the new name Mousseau said, “The change aligns our identity more
closely with our vibrant array of performances and community events. Our
new campus will comprise the existing Ancram Opera House building, with
accessibility upgrades, and a recently acquired neighboring house, built in
the 1780s, that we’re calling The Annex. Once rehabilitated, The Annex will
provide much-needed space to house interns and guest artists, as well as
space for the community programs that are core to our vision.”



The Annex community room will also be put to use for storytelling workshops
Ricciardi created for 4th, 5th, and 6th graders at Taconic Hills
Elementary, which have been part of the school’s curriculum since 2020.
Taconic Hills teachers and administrators have hailed the workshops as
having an “extraordinary impact” on students. In addition, The Annex will
provide space for workshops in playwriting and storytelling for adult
audiences, who have expressed interest in exploring creative expression and
connecting with others.



Work has already begun to improve accessibility: office space off the
theatre lobby has been converted into an accessible restroom while also
expanding the size of the lobby and adding much-needed storage space. Next
up is construction of permanent ramping to the theater’s front porch and
entrance. Other improvements will include parking upgrades and a covered
porch between the two buildings.



Ancram Center for the Arts, located in New York's Hudson Valley, presents
award-winning contemporary theater, music, storytelling, and community arts
programs. Central to its activities is the development of groundbreaking
work created by nationally recognized theater artists. Performances take
place in an historic grange hall; an adjacent property, under renovation,
will provide space for Ancram Center's expanding community classes,
workshops and artist residencies. Ancram Center receives significant annual
support from the New York State Council on the Arts and in 2023 was awarded
a generous grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. For more
information visit www.ancramcenter.org.
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