The Board of Directors of The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre (The Gamm) announces that the theater will be relocating to 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, RI in time for its 2018-2019 Season. The Gamm will continue to perform at its current location at the Pawtucket Armory for the remainder of Season 33.
After a thorough search for a new home in Pawtucket and beyond, the building in Warwick became available. This existing performing arts venue, formerly home to Ocean State Theater Company, already possesses the support space necessary for theater production. The Gamm plans to renovate the space to create "a theater within a theater" retaining its hallmark intimacy and signature programming that audiences have grown to love and expect.
"Since 2011 The Gamm has been looking for a permanent space to accommodate its growing audiences and educational programming" said Gamm Managing Director Oliver Dow. "Our primary goal was to find a space that could improve the conditions for our artists while maintaining the theatrical experience to which our audience has become accustomed. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for The Gamm to re-light an existing dark theater while making a substantial capital investment in our artistic mission."
Gamm Artistic Director Tony Estrella expressed his deep gratitude to the City of Pawtucket whose support since 2003 has allowed The Gamm to grow artistically and exponentially in audience size.
"Over nearly 15 seasons and more than 80 productions we have been proud to call Pawtucket home. We have worked hard to help raise the city's profile as an arts and cultural destination. In turn, we remain incredibly grateful for the generous support of Mayor Donald Grebien and his staff, who continued the fine work of the late Mayor James Doyle. They have been instrumental in increasing The Gamm's reach throughout Rhode Island and Southern New England," Estrella said. "Though we are moving to a much-needed and improved facility, we intend to continue our partnership with Pawtucket through our innovative in-school Pawtucket Literacy and Arts for Youth (PLAY) program. Whatever the future holds for The Gamm, I know I speak for the board and staff in saying that Pawtucket will always be a large part of who we are and will remain so for many years to come. "
Said Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien: "Our Arts District has long served as an incubator for theatre, music, art and design. The Gamm has grown and developed here with the support of grants and members of our community. While it's disheartening to see them leave during such an exciting time in our city, we look forward to continuing our relationship with them and their education program."
Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian said he eagerly anticipates The Gamm's move to Warwick City Centre.
"We are excited to welcome this award-winning theater as the arts anchor of our 'city on the move,'" Avedisian said. "I am truly looking forward to forging a great relationship with The Gamm and seeing Jefferson Boulevard become a cultural destination for the city and the state."
Founded in 1984 as Alias Stage, the non-profit Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre creates the finest of live theater, engaging the audience intensely in current and recurrent issues of consequence. The Gamm further serves the public with educational outreach programming designed to support the theatrical experience, and help sustain and enhance the intellectual and cultural life of its community. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Tony Estrella and Managing Director Oliver Dow, The Gamm is a regionally recognized, award-winning theatre and a proud member of New England Area Theatre (NEAT), a bargaining unit of the Actors' Equity Association.
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