New Pendragon Theatre near completion

The audience seating of the new Pendragon Theatre on Woodruff Street — SARANAC LAKE | The new Pendragon Theatre on Woodruff Street is about a month away from completion.

“The initial conception came up about 10 years ago because our old facility was in disrepair. It would have cost us so much money just to keep it afloat,” shared Michael Aguirre, managing director of Pendragon Theatre. “So, the idea was to invest in something new and make a move downtown to the village.”

The former A&P Supermarket, which closed in the early 1990s, was targeted for transformation. The existing 10,000-square-foot structure was renovated. All mechanical, fire protection, plumbing, and electrical systems were updated, and structural repairs were made to the foundation and masonry, converting the space into offices, dressing rooms, a costume shop, storage, and restrooms.

“Before, we only had two toilets for a little over 100 audience members. This expansion has tripled, maybe quadrupled, the number of toilets,” Aguirre said. “This will help us streamline a show and make it more comfortable for our audience.”

A new 5,500 square foot addition was also constructed with a mezzanine and theater space with state-of-the-art theatrical lighting, AV systems, and fixed audience seating that can accommodate up to 140 people, about 30 more seats than the original theater.

“There was an idea to maybe double or triple the seating capacity, but we didn’t want to do that,” Aguirre said. “We kept going back to the philosophy that people were coming to Pendragon shows because they wanted that intimate theater experience where there’s not a bad seat in the house.”

The exterior was updated as well, with EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System), masonry, and siding. Site upgrades included new storm structures, sidewalks, grading, and paving.

Construction is set to be completed by the end of February, and Pendragon Theatre’s first summer season in the new facility will kick off in June and continue through September.

Pendragon Theatre is looking to maintain its usual three to four main stage shows, but there’s a possibility of adding even more shows to the official lineup, which won’t be announced until the end of this month.

In the meantime, Pendragon Theatre is in the final phase of fundraising and needs assistance to secure the remaining funds necessary to complete the $10.2 million project.

“Unfortunately, we lost a major federal grant, so now we’re trying to fill that gap,” Aguirre said about the half-million dollars that’s still needed. “It’s not an unmanageable amount; I know we’re going to make it, but we’re still looking for those final heroes to help us close that gap.”

For more information or to donate, visit pendragontheatre.org.

“For 45 years, Pendragon Theatre has been the backbone of theatre in the Adirondacks. From the beginning, we’ve been dedicated to excellence and community impact,” as stated on the website. “Our new downtown home will offer a state-of-the-art proscenium theatre, year-round programming, ADA accessibility, new job opportunities, and creative possibilities, among other benefits.

“We aim to bring top-notch theatre, increase our economic impact, and provide enrichment and entertainment to the community.”

New Pendragon Theatre near completion

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