Civic Theatre of Allentown Reopens Theatre514

Civic Theatre of Allentown officially reopened its Theatre514 screening room this weekend after a top to bottom renovation of the facility during the month of August.

First acquired by Civic in 2004, Civic Theatre514 was designed as a raw, black box space for intimate stage productions and screenings of indie films. The building was initially acquired to help Civic expand its scenery shop space - providing room for scenery and prop construction, as well as production storage.

Over time, the theatre has evolved as a more permanent place for film screenings as risers were built to accommodate fixed theatre seating and the capacity was set at 60. A gallery was added to the lobby space during a small refurbishment in May 2013. The Allentown Arts Commission curates Civic's Gallery and changes the exhibition every 6 weeks. Civic added industry standard high definition digital projection in 2013.

"When we acquired and opened Theatre514 nearly 10 years ago, we could not have imagined how important the facility would be to Civic's day-to-day operations," says Michael Traupman, Managing Director. "The space has allowed us to greatly expand our film programming, add art exhibitions and provide much needed space for our Civic Theatre School. As we have evolved, and more films have been offered, the needs and expectations of our audiences have also changed. We really have listened to those who have come to Theatre514 and who have asked us to provide them with a better overall experience. We believe this renovation accomplishes that beautifully. I expect audiences to fully embrace the changes to the facility and that Theatre514 will become their favorite new place to see an independent film."

In order to accommodate the changes to the space, the theatre was completed gutted. The new renovation completely rehabilitates the theatre's seating arrangement. Capacity was brought up to 92 seats with the building of all-new steel-enforced risers and the installation of new, custom-made seating from Irwin Seating Company. Irwin is also the seating contractor for the PPL Center in downtown Allentown. All the seats have been centered in Continental seating that is popular in today's multiplex theatres. The rise and pitch on the seating section has also been rebuilt to provide for optimal sightlines.

The screen, which had previously been slightly off center, has been relocated. Lighting has been added throughout the facility to enhance the ambiance and to provide an extra level of safety to patrons.

A new bold Spotlight Red color scheme has been employed in the new space - along with some bold architectural touches like stainless steel railings with cable-wire embellishments, box-shaped LED wall sconces, and bright red acoustical wall panels.

Mills + Schnoering Architects, LLC of Princeton, NJ was the architect for the project. Accutech Construction of Allentown served as the general contractor and construction manager.

Civic was able to renovate without the benefit of a capital campaign, by refinancing the debt on the facility. Using the equity in Theatre514, the theatre was actually able to lower its monthly payment on Theatre514 while releasing enough money to accomplish the renovation, which was estimated at close to $150,000.

While Civic Theatre is pleased with the final product, there are hints that more changes are in store for the facility.

"Our vision for Theatre514 will not be totally realized until we make the outside of the theatre match the beauty of the inside," says Traupman. Civic is seeking funds for an upgrade to the theatre's façade, which still reflects the 1970s industrial style and features from its previous incarnations as a bottle factory, surgical supply store and drive-through beer distributorship. "We want people both to be excited about this facility and the artistry contained within," he says. "This building means a lot to the West End Theatre District. We hope we can find a way to give it a façade worthy of its calling."

For further information about Civic Theatre514, please contact Michael Traupman, Managing Director at 610-433-8903 or.

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