12 February 2026

Providence, RI – Trinity Repertory Company recently held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the renovation of its Lederer Theater Center, marking the start of construction on the $ 40 million project.

“ Today marks a transformational milestone for Trinity Rep and for Rhode Island’ s creative community,” Trinity Rep executive director, Katie Liberman, said.“ 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.”

Built as the 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 renovation is designed to bring the theater into the 21st century, making the spaces safer, more accessible, and more welcoming for all, while creating additional square footage. The project was designed by Flansburgh Architects, with Gilbane Building Company serving as construction manager.

“ The Lederer Theater Center is a truly majestic building rich in history and full

Executive Director Katie Liberman and Artistic Director Curt Columbus in the Chace Theater. Photo by Mark Turek

Trinity Repertory Company’ s Lederer Theater Center / Rendering by Doneik Lee

The project’ s construction team from Flansburgh Architects, Peregrine Group, and Gilbane, with Curt Columbus and Katie Liberman. / Photo by Mark Turek

of opportunity,” Flansburgh Architects president and principal, David Croteau, said.“ 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.”

David Rosenburg of Theatre Projects is serving as project manager and principal in charge on the renovation.“ Trinity Repertory is one the most established repertory theatre companies in the country with a rich history of artistic collaborations between directors, actors, and designers. They are performing in a theatre built in 1917, which was split to create venues both upstairs, the Chace, and downstairs, the Dowling. Although they are not used as a traditional proscenium theater space, it is a wonderful‘ found’ space with great bones,” he said.“ Taking an existing structure and retrofitting to the needs of today’ s productions is always a challenge because you’ re dealing with the remaining construction. There are always issues that can’ t be fully resolved until we start renovating. We are helping the Rep to take their productions to a higher level, and they are absolutely ready for this upgrade. As a company, Theatre Projects is very excited to help the repertory to move forward into the 21st century.”

A major focus of the renovation is accessibility. For the first time in Trinity Rep’ s history, a new elevator will provide access to every story of the building. Currently, only three of the building’ s five stories are accessible without stairs. This 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

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