Introducing Ancram Center for the Arts

Ancram Opera House is one of the Hudson Valley’s most dynamic arts venues, bringing innovative contemporary performances and community programs to the region. To support its burgeoning activities, we recently purchased a neighboring house that dates to 1780. This property will become the Annex and it, along with the Opera House, will be a hub for creativity and engagement as part of a thriving new organization with a new name, Ancram Center for the Arts.

Progress Report as of October 2023

We're excited to share the latest progress on our theater renovation project. Here's what's been happening:

Bathroom Renovation

The renovation of our bathrooms is well underway and is set to be completed in time for the opening of You Don't Know the Lonely One. Stay tuned for the exact completion date.

Additional Storage and Lobby Expansion

Our new bathroom design has not only improved the accessibility of our space but also allowed us to expand our lobby. This expansion provides more space for our community and adds much-needed storage for our operations.

Programmatic Progress - Storytelling initiative at Taconic Hills

Thanks to the generous support from our community, we've been able to bring on additional teaching artists for our storytelling initiative at Taconic Hills Central School. This initiative provides a series of storytelling workshops to all 4th, 5th, and 6th-grade students, enhancing the scope of our educational offerings.

Annex Construction Update

While construction hasn't officially started next door, we've completed interior demolition and installed a new septic system. Our architect has finalized bid and permit drawings, setting the stage for upcoming phases.

Future Phases

Our renovation project is divided into three phases. Phase 1 includes the work we’ve accomplished so far, while phase 2 will involve redesigning the front porch with a permanent ramp for accessibility. Phase 3 will see the renovation and construction of an Annex with a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom artist/intern house and a community room space, all designed to be physically accessible.

We're grateful for your continued support as we transform our theater into a more vibrant and accessible space for our community. Stay tuned for more updates as we progress through each phase of this exciting project. Together, we're creating a brighter future for the arts in our community.

Thank you for being a part of this journey!

To view a feasibility study, funded by the NY State Office of Homes & Community Main Street Program, that was completed for the project please click here.