Donations

Dear Friends and MLT Supporters

Late last year Marblehead Little Theatre purchased 120 very comfortable, upholstered chairs for the new Theater. We went for a first class product - evaluating many chairs by test sitting them - because we know that a good seat can subliminally add to your enjoyment in the Theater. Contact us for information about sponsorship of these wonderful chairs.

We have bricks!

Phase II - the brick paver floor featuring engraved bricks from generous MLT supporters is complete. It was installed by T. R. Recovery under the direction of Mario Centrella. Bricks can still be purchased and will be installed at a later date. The Terrace offers a unique space in the middle of Marblehead's commercial area that is sure to be utilized for more than just theatre events. Get your message seen by theater patrons, movie goers, and those just enjoying the day on the terrace.

The work continues...

Phase I of the new Firehouse Theatre Terrace is complete. The new entrance features a handicap ramp as well as wide welcoming granite steps. The brick walls are capped with granite.

The contractor - T.R. Recovery of Middleton - paid particular attention to the brick color and the grout color so that the new structure blends in with the 110 year old Firehouse. MLT salutes Mario Centrella and his crew for their diligent effort.

Phase II - the brick paver floor featuring engraved bricks from generous MLT supporters - will commence over the next few weeks. Bricks can still be purchased to be included in the new Terrace floor.

Phase III will finish off the new Terrace with a railing system designed to assist Firehouse Theatre patrons up the ramp or stairs.

The first step!

The first of four granite steps at the entrance to the new Firehouse Theatre Terrace was laid Monday, October 16.

Firehouse Theatre Terrace Construction Begins

Right after the Labor Day holiday construction began on the new terrace entrance to the Firehouse Theatre. The new Terrace will incorporate a handicap ramp on the right side as you face the building. In the center will be granite steps leading from the sidewalk to the Terrace level. The new Terrace walls will have a brick face to match the building capped by granite, also mirroring the historical Firehouse construction.

The Terrace will have special lighting for the steps and the ramp, and will incorporate a drainage system designed to keep the Terrace and the sidewalks dry. The Terrace will eventually include a vestibule entrance that will complete the exterior School Street façade of the 1890 Firehouse building.

The Terrace will have a brick floor, and many of the bricks will be inscribed with names and dates honoring MLT members, families, past performers and performances and other notable events and people. Bricks are still being sold and the stone dust dry system being used to lay the floor will allow for newly inscribed bricks to be added at any time. Brick purchase information is located elsewhere on the site.

The construction schedule anticipates completion by mid-October.

Firehouse Costume Areas are Shaping Up

Pam Le Mieux and a small but dedicated team of people have been working to clean up the costume storage rooms, at the firehouse, after the recent 1st floor sand blasting. This has been a huge undertaking which combines the dusting off, sorting through and categorizing of the many costume pieces which have been either donated or manufactured for MLT shows. While we did have to dispose of a number of items that were well past their reasonable usage, we were also able to separate out a sizable clothing donation to the Big Brother/Big Sister foundation, which were in good condition but not feasible for show use.

We eagerly await the renovation of the firehouse's third floor, which will be the eventual final storage area for both costumes and props. And if all our wishes come true, an elevator big enough for costume rack travel.

The clean-out process continues with the recent purchase of additional mobile storage racks. We are next going to separate the era and gender clothing. Our costumes cover every era from biblical through to present day, fantasy to fairytale, rags to royalty. We are proud to be able to support other local groups and the area schools by lending costumes to help fulfill their theatrical production needs.

A special thank you to Debbie Kanter, Andrea Gregory, Kera Dalton, Christine Walker and all those who have helped with washing clothes, taking garbage to the dump or dragging costume bags to where ever we need them.

Firehouse Restoration Fund

The Firehouse Restoration Fund was established in 2000, shortly after Marblehead Little Theatre (MLT) purchased the School Street Firehouse (12 School Street, Marblehead, MA 01945) from the Town of Marblehead. The challenge: raise enough money to convert the abandoned building into the permanent home of MLT and a performing arts center. The Firehouse is a historic building and MLT has agreed to preserve its exterior as part of the restoration process.

Over the past six years MLT has invested over $650,000 in the Firehouse. The first effort was to make the building structurally sound. A new roof, all new windows, re-pointed bricks and two beautiful doors (see photo) did the job. In order to get a permanent occupancy permit for the planned first floor theatre, MLT installed a sprinkler and fire alarm system throughout the building. At the same time the building was completely rewired. New heat has been installed on the second and third floors and in the cellar. Temporary heat is installed on the first floor. Last but not least, two attractive handicap accessible bathrooms have been constructed on the theatre floor.

The dream of restoring this landmark building to its full beauty and to create a 100-seat performance space in Marblehead available to arts organizations in the area is well under way. New upholstered chairs have been purchased; curtains are installed in the theatre and a lighting pipe grid is in place. But the list of projects to complete the effort is lengthy and costly. We need to raise another $500,000 to install an elevator to make the second and third floors ADA accessible; to install air conditioning and heating on the first floor; to install bathrooms on the second floor and to purchase and install a modern lighting and sound system for the theatre.

To make a contribution to the Firehouse Restoration Fund please do one of the following:

• Credit Card on-line - Click the "Donate" icon below or on any page on this site.

• Credit Card or Check by mail - Complete either the Word or PDF form and mail to MLT.

For additional information or questions about the Firehouse, please contact us via e-mail at Firehouse@M-L-T.org or call our answering machine at 781-631-9697 and we will return your call as soon as possible.

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Marblehead Little Theatre
12 School Street, Marblehead, MA 01945 (Directions)
Tel: 781-631-9697

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