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11/12/2025
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Speaker Shekarchi speaks at Trinity Rep’s Lederer Theater Center groundbreaking
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 PROVIDENCE, RI — House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi spoke at the Trinity Repertory Company’s ceremonial groundbreaking Monday for the renovation of its Lederer Theater Center, marking the start of construction of the most significant facility project in the company’s history.
“One of the things I love about Rhode Island is that we have such a thriving arts culture here, which adds so much to what makes our state so wonderful and unique,” said Speaker Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick). “Over the years, I have been proud to support legislation that has benefitted theater and the arts in Rhode Island, because not only does investing in the arts benefit our culture, but it’s also an economic engine, adding $2.37 billion annually to the state’s economy. I’d like to recognize and thank the team at Trinity Rep for the over 60 years of world-class theater and community produced right here and I know this renovation for will set them up for at least 60 more.”
U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo and Providence Mayor Brett Smiley also spoke at the groundbreaking.
Built as the Emery’s Majestic Theater in 1917, the historic Lederer Theater Center has not been substantially renovated since the early 1970s, when Trinity Rep first purchased the building. The renovation will bring Rhode Island’s Tony Award-winning theater into the 21st century, making the spaces safer, more accessible and more welcoming for all, while adding much-needed square footage to the facility. Demolition work began this fall, and construction will continue through early 2027.
“Today marks a transformational milestone for Trinity Rep and for Rhode Island’s creative community,” said Trinity Rep Executive Director Katie Liberman. “This project honors our historic home while ensuring that artists, students and audiences alike can access and experience the power of live theater in a welcoming, modern, and inspiring space.”
The project was designed by Boston architectural firm Flansburgh Architects, with Gilbane Building Company serving as construction manager.
“The Lederer Theater Center is a truly majestic building rich in history and full of opportunity,” said Flansburgh Architects President and Principal David Croteau. “Since its construction over a century ago, the structure and its subsequent modifications present a complex task of introducing modernization and accessibility while preserving the original character that makes this building so special. These renovations and additions strive to achieve that balance. We feel privileged to be part of the theater’s continuing story and excited to see how this transformation redefines the experience for all, both inside and out.”
A major focus of the renovation is accessibility. For the first time in Trinity Rep’s history, a new elevator will provide access to every story of the building. Currently, only three of the building’s five stories are accessible without stairs. This improvement will unlock the remaining two stories—home to studios, rehearsal halls, dressing rooms and the costume shop—for artistic, educational, and community use.
“Welcoming all audiences into Trinity Rep is fundamental to our mission and our values,” said Trinity Rep’s Laura H. Harris Artistic Director Curt Columbus. “This project ensures that everyone, regardless of mobility, can fully participate in the life of the theater, whether onstage, behind the scenes, in our audience or in our classrooms."
The addition will also expand public gathering areas and education facilities, creating a flexible, light-filled space that serves as an extension of the theater lobby. It will provide room for community programming, student workshops and events, while consolidating Trinity Rep’s administrative offices, which are currently located in rented space across the street. With this addition, all of Trinity Rep’s staff will be under one roof for the first time in decades.
In partnership with the City of Providence, Adrian Hall Way will be transformed from an alleyway into a vibrant public plaza, featuring a pedestrian walkway, improved lighting, outdoor gathering spaces, new plantings and an expanded skate park. Designed and maintained by the Providence Parks Department, the plaza will complement Trinity Rep’s expansion and activate a corner of downtown as a welcoming public space.
“The City of Providence has been a wonderful collaborator, helping to ensure that this project extends beyond our walls,” said Liberman. “Together, we’re creating a true public square for our community.”
The renovation also includes the first major update to the Chace Theater—Trinity Rep’s 500+ seat upstairs venue and the longtime home of A Christmas Carol—since 1972. Updates will include new, more comfortable and accessible seating; flexible seating configurations; a new LED lighting grid; and modernized stage infrastructure. These improvements will ensure that Trinity Rep continues to produce work of the highest artistic quality and attract top talent.
“This project will give our world-class artists the tools they need to tell stories in bold new ways,” said Columbus. “The new Chace Theater will be intimate, flexible and state-of-the-art: a space worthy of Trinity Rep's incredible artists and the audiences who bring it to life.”
Trinity Rep will announce the Chace Theater’s official reopening date at a later time. During construction, all performances will be held in the downstairs Dowling Theater.
Rhode Island’s Tony Award-winning theater, Trinity Rep has created unparalleled professional theater for and with its community since its founding in 1963. Trinity Rep strives to facilitate human connection and has been a driving force behind the creativity that fuels and defines the region for more than 50 years.
IN PHOTO: From left, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Providence Councilwoman Ana Vargas.
For more information, contact:
Larry Berman, Communications Director for the Office of the Speaker
State House Room 322
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 447-2655
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