FIND OUT ABOUT OUR CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

2023

Dear Friends, 

 

The Ghent Playhouse is just two seasons away from celebrating its 50th anniversary! This milestone also coincides with the 130th anniversary of the construction of the historic Queen Anne-style building that has been home to our theater company since 1987.  As we near this momentous occasion, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment with respect to the building itself, which has been the heart of the Ghent community since the 1890s, when it was built to house the first Ghent Town Hall. Our beloved building has begun to show its age; as a recent survey of the exterior noted: “expensive and thoughtful maintenance can no longer be delayed.” 

 

For this reason, we have launched The Ghent Playhouse Restoration Fund.  Our goal for the first phase of the campaign is to raise $50,000 that will enable us to make much-needed, immediate repairs to the aging exterior of our cherished building. This first phase of the project will include extensive repairs and painting to the building's exterior trim work, clapboards, decorative shingles and metal roof.  We are dedicated to preserving and maintaining the integrity of this priceless architectural treasure, while continuing to provide a welcoming community space, dedicated to bringing high-caliber and affordable theater to Columbia County and its neighboring communities. 

 

Ghent Historian, Gregg Berninger recently stated, “If I had to choose one place to represent the history of Ghent, NY, it would be the Ghent Playhouse. The building is one of the few remaining pieces of the Golden Age of Ghent’s downtown,1890-1920.  Its historical significance goes well beyond its serving as the center of Ghent’s civic life for 92 years.  For the past 30 years, the stewardship of the building, by the Ghent Playhouse, has been nothing short of remarkable, and I unequivocally support their efforts to garner funding to maintain this marvelous building.” 

 

Your contribution will help to provide a prosperous and vibrant future for the Ghent Playhouse and the next generation of theater-goers, while seeing our treasured building step into the next century in style.  We hope you will become part of this exciting time by making a donation today. 

Thank you.

Sincerely,

The Ghent Playhouse Board of Directors

 Sam Reilly, Cathy Lee-Visscher, Linda Murawski, Vivian Wachsberger, 

 Randi Lant, Mark Schane-Lydon, Ed Knight, Amy Hausknecht