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The Catskill Community Theatre, located on Main Street in Catskill is set to reopen on August 14 after being closed since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The theatre, which originally opened in 1920 as a vaudeville venue, has undergone significant renovations to modernize its facilities while preserving its historic charm.
The renovation project, led by owner Ben Fain and his business partner Sophie Anderson, received a $550,000 Restore NY grant to support the redevelopment. The theatre will feature two phases of restoration, with the first phase focusing on updating the main theatre for movies and live performances. According to News10, the project includes creating a lobby bar, upgrading bathrooms, and ensuring ADA accessibility.
Ben Fain emphasized the theatre's role as a community hub, stating, "Film has an amazing way of bringing people together, and we are missing that space." The theatre will show movies and host live music performances, reflecting its origins as a vaudeville theatre.
However, unexpected delays, including new tariffs on imported goods and the discovery of historical elements, have pushed the reopening date to September 1, as reported by Times Union. The theatre will become a nonprofit under Community Presents, Inc., with Greg Mills and Sydney Schutte from Coxsackie's Hi-Way Drive-In Theatre partnering with Brian Whitney to manage operations.
The second phase of renovations, planned for 2026 and 2027, will include further upgrades to the theatre's lighting and acoustic systems, as well as the addition of dressing rooms and a green room for artists. The community eagerly anticipates the reopening, marking a new chapter in the theatre's storied history.