Photo Flash: Seacoast Rep's New Space - Rep North - Opens Today

The Seacoast Repertory Theatre expands its capacity for programming with the rental of an annex facility at One Raynes Avenue in the budding North End arts district of Portsmouth. The new space will enhance the Rep's mission of providing theater arts education as well as improve rehearsals for mainstage productions.

The public is invited to the new facility during a Family Open House today, May 1st, 3pm-7pm. Visitors can register for classes, view courses and performances, meet staff and actors. Theater-oriented activities for children will occur at the top of each hour and refreshments will be served.

"Theatre education for young actors is a cornerstone of what we do at the Rep," said Kathleen Calavaro, interim Managing Director of the Seacoast Rep. "With demand exceeding space for the educational programming at the Rep's Portsmouth Academy of Performing Arts (PAPA), it made sense to find a convenient space for instruction," she said.

"Room to grow is something a thriving theater should have," said Miles Burns, interim Artistic Director at the Rep. He added, "A closed studio learning environment is a drastic improvement over the theatre hallways we currently rehearse in. We're excited that PAPA has grown to this point." Expanded class offerings in the annex facility begin May 11.

The 1,200 ft. annex overlooking North Mill Pond is a former dance school, with two well-lit airy rooms and a small office. The hardwood floor of the main room- ideal for dance rehearsals for musical productions- was a big attraction.

The annex is a sign of renewed stability at the Rep after a change in management last year. "The fact that we are expanding to a state-of-the-art space is an indication of a growing and healthy organization," said Alan Gold, president of the Board of Trustees.

For audiences attending mainstage shows at the Rep, the new facility will have important benefits. They will be able enjoy more elaborate sets, since set construction will proceed uninterrupted by rehearsals in the crunch time before a show opens. Giving the director and actors a reliable rehearsal space will also help show preparation go more smoothly. Until now, the ability to rehearse productions was squeezed by other demands for the mainstage and a lack of consistent alternates.

Calavaro added, "Outside performing arts groups, organizations, and private parties can also utilize the space, making it a resource for the whole community."