Queens Theatre in the Park Announces Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 9/23

Queens Theatre in the Park (QTP) announces a ribbon cutting ceremony, by invitation only, to celebrate the completion of the Theatre's recent expansion, and to acknowledge the support of elected officials in funding QTP's $23 million construction project. The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on Thursday, September 23, 2010 beginning at 6:30pm at Queens Theatre in the Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Flushing, NY. The event will begin with a reception in the new lobby at 6:30pm including refreshments and music. Official remarks and the ribbon cutting will take place at 7pm.

QTP recently completed a $23 million physical transformation of the Theatre with funding provided by Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and The Council of the City of New York. This major capitalinvestment has added a 75-seat cabaret performance space with a full service cafe and kitchen facility; created a dramatic new 3,000 square foot lobby/reception area; provided new visitor amenities and improved the facility's accessibility. These improvements will transform Queens Theatre in the Park into a destination for the residents of the Borough and beyond.

In addition, the evening will recognize donors from the private sector who have contributed to NEW SPACES. NEW WORKS. NEW AUDIENCES: THE CAMPAIGN FOR QUEENS THEATRE IN THE PARK, a $2 million campaign to fund an endowment, cash reserve and artistic growth fund.

Queens Theatre in the Park is located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Flushing, NY.
By Subway: Take the 7 train to Mets-Willets Point stop. Exit and turn left after passing through turnstile, walk downstairs on the parking lot side and follow the theatre shuttle signs. Take free trolley to the Theatre. Trolley runs for one hour before and after all performances.
By Car: Take the Grand Central Parkway to exit 9E (from Manhattan) or 9P (from Long Island) and follow the signs for the Theatre. Free parking in adjacent lot.

About Queens Theatre in the Park
Queens Theatre in the Park is committed to presenting performing arts that provide audiences with the highest quality work. QTP also produces new plays, with a concentration on up-and-coming directors and playwrights. QTP has broadened the experience of its core audience to include works by under-recognized artists from around the world and works that tap into the diverse communities of Queens.

Queens Theatre in the Park is located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in the New York State Pavilion designed for the 1964 World's Fair by Philip Johnson. The Pavilion was converted to a theatre in 1972 and was operated by various organizations until 1985. QTP was officially established in 1989 with the full support of the community and the Queens Borough President. After a $4 million renovation that brought full ADA compliance, the Theatre officially opened to the public in 1993 in a facility that allows it to stage productions equal to those of any Off-Broadway house in Manhattan in its 464-seat main stage theatre and its 99-seat Studio Theatre. What was then a small cabaret-style theater with an operating budget of under $500,000 has transformed itself into a major performing arts center with exhibition galleries with a projected operating budget of $3.5 million for FY10.

QTP became an independent nonprofit in 1997. It is a member of the Cultural Institutions Group receiving support from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. The Theatre presents and produces 300 performances annually. QTP serves 100,000 people annually who reflect the rich demographics of its community population. Currently 75% of the Theatre's constituency is from Queens. In addition to its own season, QTP frequently provides its space for use by community arts organizations and local promoters.

For more information, visit www.queenstheatre.org.