The Fulton Theatre continues to experience unprecedented growth. Under the leadership and guidance of Artistic Director Marc Robin and Managing Director Aaron Young, the theatre's audience has increased from 60,000 to well over 130,000 and box office revenue has increased by 300%. The future is brighter than ever for the Lancaster and National Treasure, as the Fulton makes plans for future expansion. Part of the expansion includes a reorganization of the Fulton administrative structure, redefining responsibilities throughout the organization. The role of Managing Director has been eliminated and will be replaced by a more focused financial position. The Fulton's Artistic Director, Marc Robin, has been promoted to Executive Artistic Producer and will lead the Fulton through its next phase of growth.
The 2015/2016 season for the Fulton Theatre was another year of successes, the holiday extravaganza, Elf, brought in nearly 25,000 patrons alone, Addams Family and Sister Act were the most successful shows in their respective timeslots in the history of the organization, and the Fulton's exclusive chamber premiere of Ghost catapulted the theatre into the national spotlight. Disney Theatrical Productions referred to the Fulton as a nationally-regarded regional theatre when it was announced that the Fulton was one of the first theatres in the country to receive the rights to produce Disney's Newsies.
The chamber version of Ghost: The Musical was not just another outstanding original production at the Fulton, but showed the ability of the Theatre to launch new work on a national level. It began as a workshop in 2015 in the Fulton's 4th floor studio space and Executive Artistic Producer, Marc Robin continued to collaborate with Academy Award® winner Bruce Joel Rubin, Grammy Award winners, Dave Stewart and Glenn Ballard, along with Theatrical Rights Worldwide to reimagine the Broadway version of Ghost and create a chamber version focusing on the central characters and original story. The red carpet opening of Ghost brought these award winners and many other theatre dignitaries to the Fulton, which allowed them to experience the Lancaster community. It was recently announced that this new chamber version will soon begin an international tour, with credits given to the Fulton Theatre at each production. The chamber version is also fully licensable to be produced throughout the US and internationally through Theatrical Rights Worldwide.
The Tell Studio Theatre at the Fulton
As a kick off to our new season, the Fulton Theatre is excited to announce the naming of its 4th floor Studio Theatre, The Tell Studio Theatre at the Fulton. This intimate 99-seat theatre was introduced during the 2014 season with the staged reading of 4000 Days (which will receive its US Premiere in a fully staged production in the 2016/2017 subscription season). In two short years, this versatile space has become an incubator for new works, including the original workshop for the chamber version of Ghost: The Musical, and thought-provoking plays. The 2016/2017 season will consist of Veronica's Room, Disgraced and 4000 Days. The success and advancement of this space and series, known as The Ellen Arnold Groff Studio Series, has received the attention of many in the community including Mr. Patrick Tell.
A community leader and long-time Fulton Theatre trustee, Mr. Tell has made a generous donation to ensure this vital programming is offered to the community for many years to come. The Tell Studio Theatre at the Fulton will house the Ellen Arnold Groff Studio Series among many other planned projects to be announced at a later date. The Fulton's Executive Artistic Producer, Marc Robin stated, "Patrick Tell's gift will open doors to many exciting future possibilities. The Tell Studio Theatre is instrumental in future expansion plans for the Fulton and we are so grateful to be able to attach his name to this amazing space as we secure the Fulton Theatre's place in the future of Lancaster and the national arts scene."
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