NCTC Unveils Renovated Space at Benefit Gala

In October, New Conservatory Theatre Center will mark its 35th Anniversary and the launch of its 2016-17 Season with the unveiling of its renovated lobby, box office and bar. The first chance to glimpse the venue's redesign will be a special benefit gala, The Big Reveal, Saturday, October 1st, 7-10pm. The grand reopening celebration comes a week before the launch of NCTC's 2016-17 Season and the regional premiere of Harvey Fierstein's newest play, Casa Valentina.

The Big Reveal will feature pop-up performances throughout the venue from an incredible lineup of guest artists, as well as bites and libations from local restaurant & bar partners, including Alta, Cala, Chez Maman, Dobbs Ferry, Fig & Thistle, Mina's Brazilian, Noir Lounge, Smuggler's Cove, Straw Carnival Fare, Tout Sweet Patisserie, and Quinn's Lighthouse.

Tickets to The Big Reveal are $125 and available at nctcsf.org or by calling (415) 861-8972. Individual Sponsorships are also available, with special VIP perks. Information available at nctcsf.org.

In addition to a clean new look for the lobby, featuring wooden accents and a blue color scheme to brighten up the space, the renovation relocates the box office and bar in the aim of both improving audience traffic flow, and to better accommodate an increasing number of pre and post-show events held to enrich audience engagement. Events like the ones held in the theatre's previous season, including special performances, audience discussions, lectures, and trivia nights, will be held in the space created by the remodel.

"We want to also utilize the lobby much more as a community resource and a place to have conversations and community-related events," says Executive Director Barbara Hodgen. "We want a more inviting, comfortable space for our patrons."

The remodel was designed by FOG Studio, an El Cerrito firm led by architects Tiffany Redding and BranDon Marshall, who donated their services as part of the program 1-Plus, which pairs architects looking to dedicate 1 percent or more of their working hours for pro bono service with nonprofits in need. CoBuild Construction Services, based in Castro Valley, served as contractor for the project.

"The design also opens up what is currently a very crowded lobby space before, during and after shows," FOG Studio explains. "The mission is to create a place where theatre patrons will dwell, bring their kids and support the center's mission."

NCTC's lobby will be named the James L. Coran Lobby, in honor of significant support from the longtime donor to the theatre. The bar will become Mason's Bar, both in recognition of the 25 Van Ness building's history as a Masonic temple, and Mason Cartmell & Lowell Kimble, staunch supporters of NCTC. And the updated donor lounge will be named for Alvin Baum & Robert Holgate also longtime supporters.

The honorary Host Committee for The Big Reveal includes Charles Busch, Jewelle Gomez & Diane Sabin, Paul Katami & Jeff Zarrillo, Kate Kendell & Sandy Holmes, Senator Mark Leno, Terrence McNally & Tom Kirdahy, Ted Olson & Lady Booth Olson, Kris Perry & Sandy Stier, Rob & Michele Reiner, Linda Richards, Judge Vaughn R. Walker (Retired), and Supervisor Scott Wiener.

New Conservatory Theatre Center has been San Francisco's premier LGBTQIA and allied performing arts institution and progressive arts education conservatory since 1981. NCTC is renowned for its diverse range of innovative, high-quality productions, touring productions and shows for young audiences; its foundational anti-bullying work with youth and educators through YouthAware; and its commitment to nurturing emerging artists and playwrights to expand the canon of queer and allied dramatic work.

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