Depot Theatre’s stage- located in the freight room of the historic Westport Train Station.
WESTPORT, NY — The Depot Theatre in Westport, NY has been awarded a $25,000 New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) capital improvement grant for a sound system replacement.
The grant is part of a record capital investment of more than $42 million to 144 capital projects for arts and cultural organizations across the state to support crucial building renovations, accessibility improvements, and new spaces for creative work.
The capital improvement grant brings total NYSCA support for the Depot Theatre this year to $55,000, including a $30,000 Support for Organizations grant.
“We’re extremely grateful to NYSCA for their ongoing support and investment in the Depot Theatre and the entire arts and cultural sector,” said Kim Rielly, Depot Theatre Executive Director.
“Strengthening our creative sector increases tourism, boosts our economy, and enhances the rich heritage and cultural life of New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “These record grants will support a wide range of diverse and innovative projects at our arts and cultural organizations across the state, helping ensure all who visit will continue to have wonderful experiences for years to come.”
“Technological systems for professional productions in the freight room of a train station are certainly a challenge, and our current sound system is comprised of a combination of obsolete borrowed and donated equipment,” Rielly continued. “The new comprehensive system will be a crucial upgrade for our small space, with low-profile but powerful output for the actors and musicians that might even be a match for the noise of the passing trains!”
Installation of the new sound system is expected to be complete by the end of the 2023 main stage season.
The Depot Theatre, celebrating its 45th season in 2023, is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, NY. For more information about the Depot Theatre and its main stage and Academy youth programs, visit DepotTheatre.org.
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About the Depot Theatre
The Depot Theatre is a non-profit, professional theatre located in a historic, functioning 1876 train station in Westport, N.Y., and it is the only theatre in the Adirondacks that operates under an agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. In addition to its volunteer board of trustees, the theatre depends on the support and generosity of its loyal donors, volunteers and community members. Committed to promoting and providing exposure to the performing arts in the Adirondacks, the Depot Theatre invites all to “Take a journey without leaving the station.” The Depot Theatre’s 2023 programming is made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Additional support is provided by the Adirondack Foundation – Generous Acts Fund and the Essex County Arts Council.
About the New York State Council on the Arts
The Council on the Arts preserves and advances the arts and culture that make New York State an exceptional place to live, work and visit. The Council upholds the right of all New Yorkers to experience the vital contributions the arts make to our communities, education, economic development, and quality of life. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award record funding in FY 2023, providing support across the full breadth of the arts, including dedicated support for arts education and underrepresented communities.
The Council on the Arts further advances New York’s creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA’s Facebook page, Twitter @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.