The Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, R.I., held a ceremonial groundbreaking Nov. 10, 2025, for what it calls "a transformative renovation" of its Lederer Theater Center, marking the start of construction and the most significant facility project in the acting company's history.
In addition, the event marked the public launch of The Public Square Campaign, a $40 million capital campaign to fund the project and ensure that the State Theater of Rhode Island continues to thrive for generations to come.
Originally built as 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 new 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 in fall 2025, and construction will continue through early 2027, Trinity Rep noted in a news release.
"Today marks a transformational milestone for Trinity Rep and for Rhode Island's creative community," Katie Liberman, the theater company's executive director, noted at the groundbreaking. "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."
So far, the organization has raised more than $34.6 million toward the project and seeks an additional $5.4 million to reach its $40 million goal. All new gifts to The Public Square Campaign will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $500,000, due to a generous challenge from an anonymous family foundation.
"This matching challenge is an extraordinary opportunity for the community to double their impact," said Kibbe Reilly, chair of Trinity Rep's board of trustees. "Every new gift helps us create a more accessible, sustainable and inspiring home for Rhode Island's State Theater."
‘A Truly Majestic Building'
The theater improvement project was designed by Flansburgh Architects in Boston architectural firm, with Gilbane Building Co. serving as the construction manager.
"The Lederer Theater Center is a truly majestic building rich in history and full of opportunity," said David Croteau, Flansburgh president and principal. "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, noted Trinity Rep, founded in 1963.
To that end, for the first time in the acting company's history, a new elevator in the venue will provide it access to every story of the building. Currently, only three of the building's five stories are accessible without stairs. The 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 Curt Columbus, Trinity Rep's Laura H. Harris artistic director. "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 also will expand public gathering areas and education facilities, creating a flexible, light filled space that serves as an extension of the theater lobby. It also will provide room for community programming, student workshops and events, while consolidating Trinity Rep's administrative offices, currently located in rented space across the street.
With the addition, Trinity Rep's entire staff will be under one roof for the first time in decades.
Outdoor Space, Chace Theater Also Due for Upgrades
In partnership with the city of Providence, Adrian Hall Way, an alleyway which runs along the northeast side of the theater, will be transformed 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," Liberman said. "Together, we're creating a true public square for our community."
In addition, the renovation effort includes the first major update to the Chace Theater — Trinity Rep's 500-plus-seat upstairs venue and the longtime home of the company's production of A Christmas Carol — since 1972.
Improvements in that facility will include new, more comfortable and accessible seating; flexible seating configurations; a new LED lighting grid; and a modernized stage infrastructure. These upgrades will ensure that Trinity Rep continues to produce work of the highest artistic quality and attract top talent.
"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," Columbus said.
Trinity Rep plans to announce the Chace Theater's official reopening date at a later date. During its construction, all performances will be held in the downstairs Dowling Theater.
