After dreaming, planning and fundraising for more than a decade, construction has begun at 1950 California Street, the new home of Riverfront Playhouse’s 152-seat theater in Downtown Redding.
“When I got the news from Jeff Finck, Cornerstone Bank’s president and CEO, that we can start on the infrastructure of the new theatre, I was elated. Sharing this news with the board of directors, especially those who have been part of this dream since the beginning, was an awesome feeling. Many volunteers have worked tirelessly to get this project moving forward,” says Darryll Alvey, board president of Riverfront Playhouse.
“We’re excited that our 39-year-old community theatre will be part of the Redding Cultural District.”
Don Ajamian Construction of Redding has been given the green light to proceed. When completed, the 11,500-square-foot building will feature the main theater, a set construction shop, a “well-appointed” green room, an art gallery, an events room with concession stand, and a small black box theater for experimental productions, open mic nights, poetry readings, and other events. When plays are not in production, the facility will be available to rent for concerts, conferences, meetings, movie screenings, weddings, and other special events.
Fund development is in full force. Naming opportunities, personalized bricks, and seat nameplates are available to purchase. “Several other donor opportunities will be identified as we progress towards this long-awaited move,” Alvey says.
A groundbreaking ceremony will take place in the next few weeks. All who have donated time and money, dreamed, struggled, yearned, and envisioned this exciting time will be invited to join us as we hammer that first nail.
