Ivoryton Playhouse Breaks Ground on New Rehearsal & Storage Facility

Lieutenant Governor, State Senator, and State Representative Among Attendees Gathered to Break Ground and Launch the Public Capital Campaign.

January 15, 2026 – Ivoryton, CT

Ivoryton Playhouse celebrated a major milestone on Thursday, January 15, with a ceremonial groundbreaking and champagne toast marking the start of construction on The Sally and George Mayer Rehearsal Studio, a new, purpose-built rehearsal and storage facility at 122 Main Street in Ivoryton. The event also served as the public launch of the Playhouse’s new $1.5 million Capital Campaign, Act II: A New Creative Space, which will support the new facility and critical upgrades to the historic theatre building.

Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz joined State Senator Norm Needleman and State Representative Renee LaMark Muir, along with Ivoryton Playhouse trustees, staff, early donors, and project partners for a toast at The Hosting Company in Ivoryton, followed by the groundbreaking at the construction site just down the street; an uncommon and highly visible moment of new development on Main Street in Ivoryton.

Lieutenant Governor Bysiewicz emphasized the enduring cultural significance of the Ivoryton Playhouse and commended Jacqui Hubbard, its longstanding Executive Director, for her leadership and vision. She concluded by applauding the collaborative efforts of Connecticut government officials and local donors in launching this exciting project.

Designed by David Goslin of Crosskey Architects, with construction planned to begin soon by the public-bid winner, Steven’s Excavating Inc., the new facility will provide a dedicated rehearsal space and secure storage, strengthening the Playhouse’s production infrastructure and supporting the long-term sustainability of its operations. The project represents a significant investment in the behind-the-scenes work that makes professional theatre possible.

“This is a rare and exciting moment, not just for Ivoryton Playhouse, but for the village itself,” says Ivoryton Playhouse Board President Al Jaffe. “Very little new construction has taken place on Main Street in many years. Breaking ground here signals growth, vitality, and confidence in the future of both the Playhouse and the broader Ivoryton and Essex communities.”

For more than a century, Ivoryton Playhouse has served as a cultural anchor on the Connecticut shoreline. The new rehearsal and storage facility will enable the organization to centralize essential operations, reduce reliance on off-site rehearsal locations, and care for scenic and production materials more effectively, freeing up shared community space like the Centerbrook Meeting House, while giving the Playhouse the autonomy required of a modern producing theatre.

While early funding enabled preliminary work to begin, the January 15 event formally launched the public phase of a $1.5 million capital campaign supporting the new facility and key upgrades to the historic theatre building. With strong early momentum, the next phase focuses on carrying the campaign across the finish line. Together, these investments ensure that Ivoryton Playhouse can continue producing high-quality professional theatre while stewarding its resources responsibly for years to come. In her address, the Chairperson of the Capital Campaign Committee, Sally Mayer, expressed her enthusiasm for the Playhouse through the decades and for the work ahead to extend its life for another century.

About Ivoryton Playhouse: Ivoryton Playhouse is a renowned small professional theater on the Shoreline. It is known for its exceptional productions and commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for audiences of all ages.

To contribute to the Act II: A New Creative Space campaign, go to ivorytonplayhouse.org.