Dish-Houston

The Alley Theatre, one of the nation's leading nonprofit theatre companies and housed in one of Houston's most iconic buildings, unveiled plans today to enhance its artistic product and complete the first extensive renovation of its facilities since its opening in 1968 through a $73 million capital campaign.  

Meredith Long and Roger Plank are co-chairmen of the campaign, "Extended Engagement." More than $31 million has already been raised toward the goal.

The campaign will pay for updating all theatrical systems with state-of-the-art equipment, substantially improving the patron in-theatre experience and amenities, and ensure the Theatre's future as a performing arts institution of national caliber that is sustainable, relevant, and accessible for future generations of Houstonians.

"The Alley's commitment to ensuring a legacy of great theatre experiences is evident in the first-class facility planned," said Long. "The goal of the renovation is to enhance the character of the Alley Theatre building and change the audience experience exponentially."

The Extended Engagement Campaign has three primary components: 
I. $10 million for Artistic Enhancement: 
Increase the artistic budget by $1 million each season from 2008 through 2017 to fund the artistic mission of the theatre, supporting plays with larger casts and higher production values, and expanding the resident company to include actors, directors, playwrights, and designers. 

II. $46.5 million for Renovation: 
Renovate the existing building, including the Hubbard Stage and lobbies, clean the concrete building exterior and create a more energy efficient building.  
The construction start date has not been established. 

III. $16.5 million for Endowment and Cash Reserve: 
Augment the Alley's current endowment by $15 million and increase cash reserves by an additional $1.5 million to support the enhanced artistic product.

"The Alley's strategic plan, set by the board in 2006, has enabled the Theatre to expand the annual budget spent on its artistic product by $3 million per year," explained Plank.  "This investment has enabled the Alley to delight audiences and is already paying dividends in higher earned and contributed income.  It has permitted our overall operating budget to grow 50 percent and sets the stage for the balance of the 'Extended Engagement' campaign."  "For the past six years, including the recession of 2008-2010, the Alley has posted consecutive years of operating surpluses," stated Managing Director Dean R. Gladden.  "We currently have no debt and an accumulated surplus of $1.2 million.  Our strong financial position places us in the best possible position for this campaign to succeed." 

"This capital campaign and the renovations envisioned will allow the Alley to enrich the audience's experience, creating a more intimate space where actors and audience are closer," promised Artistic Director Gregory Boyd. "We will maintain our commitment to the resident company, supporting theatre artists working together on a variety of projects over time, embrace new theatre technology, and continue to nurture new play development.  By continuing to support these artistic initiatives, we will be able to plant the flag of Houston and Houston's Alley Theatre in the other theatre capitals and cities around the globe."

Renovation
Since 1968, no major renovation has been made to the Hubbard Stage - the largest of the Alley's two stages - or to the public and backstage areas of the building, the building's air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical systems. Renovation plans include: 

Stage improvements:
Added fly loft with computer-controlled, motorized rigging; fully trapped stage floor; state-of-the-art lighting, sound and electrical enhancements; and larger and more flexible dressing room facilities; 

Audience amenities:
All new seats and seating configuration that will provide a more intimate experience for the audience, with accessible seating in multiple areas; new and expanded restrooms; new lobby space with a skyline view and new flooring throughout the public spaces; 

Building upgrades:
New multi-zoned air conditioning system; new plumbing and expanded sprinkler system; installation of energy efficient glass and cleaning of the building exterior.

Enhancing the Character of the Building
With its bold, concrete exterior and multiple-turrets, the Alley Theatre building has secured itself as one of Houston's most significant, architectural landmarks. The distinctive building, dedicated in 1968, is the heart of Houston's downtown Theater District and is the only downtown performing arts venue owned and operated by a performing arts company.   The building was the first solo project designed by architect Ulrich Franzen, one of the most prominent architects of the 20th century to emerge from the Harvard School of Design. Renovations planned will embrace the unique features of this iconic building, enhancing its character with 21st century theatre systems and audience amenities to ensure its value to tomorrow's audiences and theatre artists.  

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