A vibrant future requires that we work to sustain and enhance the intellectual and cultural life of our communities. Live theater does this from the stage, in our schools and through life-long learning. The Gamm is actively committed to increasing the impact of live theater in the region.
Make your pledge today.
STAGING THE FUTURE
The Gamm requires a space that fits its ambitions and potential.
After 15 seasons in Pawtucket, we have outgrown our theater. Our productions and education programs have expanded far beyond our limited space. By opening a flexible theater arts facility in Warwick, we are boldly investing in our future.
A RARE OPPORTUNITY
For several years we explored options for a new home that would truly fit our needs. We could not find a financially feasible scenario until 1245 Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick became available. With relatively modest renovations, this building will provide the accessibility and flexibility we require.
Giving new life to an existing stage makes great sense! When complete, our permanent home will have greater comfort and potential and will improve the experience for our artists and our audience.
MISSION FIRST AND FOREMOST
The Gamm creates the finest live theater, engaging the audience in current and recurrent issues of consequence. It further serves the public with educational outreach programming designed to widely share the theatrical experience and contribute to the cultural life and wellbeing of our community.
Our commitment to this mission remains steadfast as we embark on a new chapter of growth. We are working hard to make The Gamm’s new home a vibrant regional destination serving the local community and beyond.
Pictured: A Streetcar Named Desire (Gamm, 2015) Photo by Peter Goldberg
BUILDING A THEATER OF POSSIBILITIES
As we “stage the future,” we will expand our education and outreach programming.
For 11 years, The Gamm’s cornerstone residency program has increased literacy and social connectedness among underserved students in grades K-12. Our community outreach programs have empowered at-risk populations including young people and individuals with social and intellectual disabilities. Our affordable student matinees have exposed thousands of students to the power of live theater. Public forums, audience talk-backs and theater classes for all ages have enriched our community. Our new home will provide the capacity to grow these programs.
Pictured: Pawtucket Literacy and Arts for Youth, Slater Junior High School
THE BUILDING
“The new space will allow us to create even more powerful productions without losing any of the intimacy and togetherness that our audience values.”
- Tony Estrella, Artistic Director of The Gamm
Our goal is to bring the building at 1245 Jefferson Blvd. back to the community as a culturally vibrant center for arts engagement. By completing construction projects that were left unfinished and making minor renovations and upgrades, the building will provide 21,000 square feet of space that includes:
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A large lobby and box office
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A convertible theater that can accommodate 175-300 seats
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More than 110 parking spaces
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Rehearsal studio spaces
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Dressing rooms with showers
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ADA accessible dressing room
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Administrative and production offices
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A large production workshop
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A costume workshop
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Costume, prop and set storage
MAINTAINING INTIMACY
We will create a performance space within the existing proscenium stage that will be larger than our existing space in Pawtucket. An additional 30 square feet will allow for a dedicated backstage space, dedicated wing space, a portable lighting and sound booth and a state-of-the-art rigging system. In addition, an on-site production workshop will mean that, for the first time, The Gamm’s designers and production team will have a full array of artistic resources to bring new imaginative worlds to the stage.
With an innovative, flexible design, the studio theatre’s stage will be able to shift from partial thrust to full Shakespearean courtyard or an in-the-round stage. And the back wall of the studio box can open up to create a 300-seat traditional proscenium theater.
THE TEAM
Real Estate/Project Consultant, Sam Bradner, Peregrine Group
Theater Design Consultant, Alec Stoll, Stages Consulting
Architect, Chris Ladds, LLB Architects
Construction Management, Site Specific
Financial Management, Greenwood Credit Union
THE CAMPAIGN
Let’s Stage the Future
Join us as we relocate our theater and deepen our investment in Rhode Island’s culture
The Gamm’s Let’s Stage the Future Campaign seeks to raise funds to make Jefferson Boulevard a permanent home for professional theater and to ensure the future of The Gamm as a cultural and educational arts anchor in the region.
This multi-year capital campaign effort includes:
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$1.2M for funding the design, renovations & construction of the interior of 1245 Jefferson Boulevard
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$200,000 for funding community engagement, marketing, fundraising and administrative support
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$500,000 for creating an operating reserve fund and increased endowment to ensure the company’s secure future.
With more than $1,300,000 cmmitted toward a $1.9 million goal, we invite you to join us and a broad community of arts patrons with your gift to Let’s Stage the Future — and help us to make this vision a reality.
Pictured: Managing Director, Oliver Dow, Steve Soscia of Mutual Properties, and former Gamm Board President Leon C. Boghossian III
THREE-YEAR TERM
To allow for stretch commitments and donor flexibility, campaign pledges may be fulfilled in annual payments over a three-year period beginning in 2018. Pledges of $50,000 or more may be fulfilled over a five-year period.
TAX BENEFITS
All contributions to Let’s Stage the Future are tax-deductible. The Gamm’s staff is available to consult with you to ensure that however you choose to give—whether a direct contribution, gift of stock or securities, IRA transfer, Qualified Charitable Distribution, or gift of property—is maximally tax efficient. Please call Kirsten Davis at (401) 723-4266 Ext. 133 for more details.
RECOGNITION
Gifts of $10,000 and above receive:
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Permanent recognition in our new theater lobby
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A special Stage the Future donor reception on our new stage
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34th Season playbill and website recognition
Gifts of $5,000 and above receive:
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Permanent recognition in our new theater lobby
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34th Season playbill and website recognition
Gifts of $2,500 and above receive:
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34th Season playbill and website recognition
(naming opportunities are also available upon request)
CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
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Barbara Horovitz Brown
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Lisa Higgins Dow
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Larry Goldberg
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John Howell
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Daniel Marwil
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W. Lynn McKinney
Honorary Chairs
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Previous Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian
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House Representative Joe Shekarchi
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Rhode Island Senator Erin Lynch Prata
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Warwick Representative Joe Solomon Jr.
DONORS
Thank you to the generous patrons who have made gifts and pledges to our campaign (as of February 12, 2020)
$100,000 and above
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Anonymous
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W. Lynn McKinney & Ron Margolin
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The Rhode Island General Assembly
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The Rhode Island State Council on the Arts
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Miriam Weizenbaum
$50,000 and above
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Barbara J. Dreyer
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The National Endowment for the Arts
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The Moakley Family Charitable Fund
$25,000 and above
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Elaine Arden Cali
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Eliza Greene Chace Collins
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The Oliver Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation
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Wells & Marguerite Pile
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Pawtucket Credit Union
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Chuck & Doris Reifler
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Peter & Mary Troy
$10,000 and above
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Anonymous
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Harrison & Arria Bilodeau
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Leon & Karen Boghossian
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Coline Covington
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Steve Durkee
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Tony Estrella & Jennifer Madden
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Katie the Dog
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The Ruth and Hal Launders Charitable Trust
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Anthony & Jacqueline Marro
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Robert Martin
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Ivy & Daniel Marwil
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Patricia A. Fuller & Tom Oakes
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Fred & Ellen Reinhardt
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David Rickerby
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William J. & Paula H. Rooks
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Alicia B. Shea
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Austin & Susan Smith
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Carolyn Mark & Bill Stone
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The Otto H. York Foundation
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Alan & Marie Weiss
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Kitty & Don Wineberg
$5,000 and above
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Winifred Brownell
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Suzanne & David Cane
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Lisa & Oliver Dow
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Mimi & Peter Dow
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Bruce & Amy Goldstein
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Carl Helmetag
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Prentiss & Polly Higgins
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Milly Massey
$2,500 and above
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James & Kathleen Bower
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Constance Evrard
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Celia & Steve Gamm
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Drs. Adam & Cindy Klipfel
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Marie Langlois
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M. Beverly Swan
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Connie Worthington &
Terry Tullis -
Carol Hudson Young Fund
Frequently ASKED QUESTIONS
Where is The Gamm moving?
The Gamm is moving into its new home in Warwick, Rhode Island at 1245 Jefferson Blvd., after 15 years at The Armory Arts Building in Pawtucket.
When is The Gamm moving?
We are kicking off our 2018/2019 34th Season at our new home in September, 2018!
Why is The Gamm moving?
When The Gamm first moved into the garage annex of the Pawtucket Armory it was intended to be a temporary home until the Drill Hall in the Armory could be converted into a theater. A change in building ownership ended these plans and The Gamm has remained in the temporary performance space for 15 years. The Armory Annex no longer meets the needs of our artists and audience.
For several years we explored options for a new home that would truly fit our needs. We could not find a financially feasible scenario until 1245 Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick became available. With relatively modest renovations, this building will provide the accessibility and flexibility we require. Giving new life to an existing stage makes great sense! When complete, our permanent home will have greater comfort and potential and will improve the experience for our artists and our audience.
Will The Gamm change?
The Gamm’s mission and programs will remain the same. We’ll continue to produce 5 professional productions each season, focusing on contemporary plays that explore the social, political and cultural issues of our time.
Will The Gamm’s seating change?
The Gamm’s seating in the new theater will be very similar to the seating in our Pawtucket space. Our new building will allow us to add approximately 20-30 more seats and will provide the space needed for flexible seating arrangements. Subscribers will still have designated seats that are located as close to the same seats that they enjoy in Pawtucket.
Will there be parking at the new building?
The new building has 110 on-site parking spaces, including 7 handicapped spaces. We also have overflow parking available right next door.
Will there be concessions at the new theater?
Yes! The new building has a larger lobby and concession area which will allow us to offer even more choices of beverages and snacks.
Will The Gamm still do educational programming in Pawtucket?
Yes! The Gamm will continue to conduct classroom residencies and after-school programs in the Pawtucket schools and students will still have the opportunity to attend our student matinees.
Is there a place to eat nearby the new building?
The immediate area around our new location has several restaurant options that are easily accessible for before and after Gamm performance times.
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The Greenwood Inn is right across the street from the theater on Jefferson Blvd.
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Iron Works Tavern is less than a mile down the street from the theater on Jefferson Blvd.
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Legal Seafoods is located nearby on Post Road
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Chelo’s Bar & Grille is located nearby on Post Road
Pictured: Arcadia (Gamm, 2016) Photo by Peter Goldberg