What is happening at Trinity Rep?

Trinity Rep is preparing to undergo much-needed construction to renovate and expand parts of its historic  building to meet community and accessibility needs.

Why does the theater need to be renovated?

When Trinity Rep completed a facilities master plan in 2017, the plan unearthed essential renovations and accessibility needs required for the theater to continue serving its community. Built over 100 years ago, Trinity Rep’s historic Lederer Theater Center has not been fully renovated since 1972. The renovation will bring Rhode Island’s Tony Award-winning theater into the 21st century, while making the space safer and more accessible for all.  

What is included in the project?

Accessibility

  • A brand-new elevator will access every story of the building for the first time in Trinity Rep history. Currently, only three of the building’s five stories are accessible without requiring the ability to navigate (42) stairs. This elevator will unlock the remaining two stories for public programming; it also creates first-time elevator access to actors’ dressing rooms, the rehearsal hall, and the costume shop.  

Expansion

  • A 12,000 square foot addition will allow Trinity Rep to significantly expand its public programming, including education and community engagement activities.  
  • Within Trinity Rep’s five-story building, there are 18 “microlevels” that require stairs to access. In tandem with the new elevator, this addition will better connect each floor, offering easier navigation and access throughout. The fifth story spaces (rehearsal hall, costume shop, and studio spaces) will connect to one another without the use of stairs for the first time. 
  • This expansion allows Trinity Rep to use the spaces available to their full potential, eliminating rental expenses for the first time. Many currently work in rented office space across the street.
  • The project will also expand the theater’s lobby, creating more open space for public gathering and community use. 

The first significant renovation of the Chace Theater since 1972

  • In addition to more comfortable and accessible seating for guests, this renovation will include new convertible seating configurations, an LED lighting grid, and updated stage space. 
  • The current space is dated and limits the kinds of shows we can produce. An updated theater will ensure that The State Theater of Rhode Island can continue to offer our audiences the highest artistic quality, attract the best talent to our stage, and create work of the caliber that you might see in major cities around the world.

A public plaza in Adrian Hall Way, designed by the City of Providence Parks Department.  

  • In partnership with the City of Providence, what is now Adrian Hall Way will be transformed from an alleyway into a public plaza with a pedestrian walkway, better lighting at night, outdoor public gathering spaces, new plantings, and an expanded skate park. This plaza will be designed and operated by the City Parks Department and will complement Trinity Rep’s adjacent expansion, activating a forgotten corner of downtown and better welcoming our community.

What will happen to the skate park on Adrian Hall Way? 

The skate park on Adrian Hall Way will remain completely intact, expanded and upgraded with new design and skate features. The City of Providence is in dialogue with Friends of Adrian Hall Way to finalize a park design.

What will happen to the theater’s historic facade? 

The renovation includes a full restoration of the stunning facade along Washington Street. A new glass addition visible at the corner of Washington and Aborn Streets will complement the building’s historical elements. 

Will the new addition match the rest of the building? 

The new addition to the building is being designed in partnership and with approvals from the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Parks Service to be in conversation with the historic facade while featuring a modern look and feel. 

When will construction begin? 

Phased construction begins June 2025

When will the project by completed?

We expect to complete the project by the winter of 2026. 

What does this mean for Trinity Rep current programming?

During the construction process, all productions  will be in the Dowling Theatre downstairs. Read more about the plays for this season.