September 6, 2009 on the day of an Open House at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, we celebrate making our Capital Campaign goal for the theater. One-point-seven million, the building is paid for. Thanks to state and town and private donations we made it. Chief of the campaign was Trustee, Edie Gengras, she’s pictured along with President of the Board of Trustees, Bob Welsh outside our thermometer.

Featured below that photo are beautiful aerial shots of  The Kate from Tom Walsh of Shoreline Aerial Photography. Walsh captured the theater in September, 2009 and the preceding winter…what a difference some months made.

The former editor of Playbill, Judy Samelson, and a long time fan of Katharine Hepburn, submitted this article to Playbill.

Thank you so much, Judy.

Now onward to a long history of wonderful events at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center.

See you at “The Kate!”
Ann Nyberg, Trustee, KHCAC

Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Exterior

Mike Cronin, President of the Old Saybrook High School Thespians

It’s been a long time in coming…more than 6 years for some who started this project with a dream. So many people to thank, it would take days. Keep in mind, we’re non-profit, so we’ll always need your help.

There are nearly three dozen events scheduled already beginning just after Labor Day. The Box office is starting to take calls thanks to our new Box Office Mgr., Peter Johns formerly of the Seven Angels Theatre in Waterbury.

The new website, on which you will be able to buy your tickets on line, is almost ready to go live…you’ll love it, easy to navigate and vey clear and concise.

Also, we have a brand new logo that is just being readied to be presented…you’ll love that too. It’s in “red” which was Katharine Hepburn’s favorite color.

Let’s see what else? Oh, the Grand Gala is scheduled for October 17th…you’ll soon be hearing more about that too.

The photos on this post are of the exterior of the theater and below are the lights being hung. Mike Cronin, President of the Old Saybrook High School Thespians helped out with that as did other members of the club.

As you can see this is an Old Saybrook hometown adventure, we think Ms. Hepburn would have loved that…everybody involved, young and old.

For more information about “The Kate,” call 860-510-5000.

Our Address is:
Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center
300 Main Street
Old Saybrook, CT  06475

Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Carpet

Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Risers

The carpeting is going in at the Katharine Hepburn Arts Center and Theater. It provides a splash of color and helps with the sound proofing of the venue. In this photo ,the carpeting is being put down in the 50 seat balcony area. There is not one bad seat in the 250 seat theater, but I in particular love the balcony. It is very wide and the view is scrumptious.

In the next photo, the risers are being built. The first six rows of the theater will have seats that can be removed, but in the very back area the seats are fixed. We have made sure that the seats are very beautiful and comfy and that site lines are perfect, just in case you’re were wondering. We took great pains to make sure that was the case in the only theater in the world named after the great legendary actress, Katharine Hepburn. In an earlier post ,you will note that indeed Ms. Hepburn was in this theater with her father many moons ago to take a look at the set for a summer show.

In the final shot is the huge movie screen being hung. We will have lots of film including those wonderful for which Hepburn won her record four Oscars. Perhaps will even be home to a Film Festival one day, the sky is the limit for The Kate. We may even be hosting some children’s matinees as well. Remember those Saturday afternoons at the movies as a kid with the popcorn on you lap?

Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Screen

Now all of this brings us to the need for volunteers at The Kate. As we gear up for our inaugural season, and we’re seeking volunteers to help run our box office.

The Box Office will be open during the week from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and with additional evening hours on performance dates.

Volunteers in the box office should be able to commit to at least 2 or 3 shifts per week. You’ll need to have computer experience, as well as excellent interpersonal skills. In addition to being an integral part of the exciting process of putting on a show, Box Office volunteers will have an opportunity to see shows at The Kate free of charge. For more information, please contact Peter Johns, the Box Office Manager, at 860.510.0473 ext. 203.

Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Landscaping

The patio is poured and the landscaping work is beginning at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center and Theater which will be known as “The Kate.”

This is a shot outside the new entrance in which you will be stepping when you come to a show at “The Kate.”

If you’re interested in being a a part of what will be a reall hub of entertainment for the shoreline now is the time to wade in.

Tomorrow evening at “The Back Porch” in Old Saybrook there will be a fun fundraiser so check that out. More info on the fundraiser can be found on Old SayBrookNow.com.

Please RSVP to : 860.510.0282 or Laura {at} thebackporchbuzz(.)com

Also if you have a desire to be on the Founder’s Plaque which is only a one time deal, there is a donation of $1,000.00 so get on board now. Yes, we’re a non-profit 501(C)3.

We open in August, and a series of “grand” events will be the week of October 12th leading up to a HUGE Gala on October 17th.

Here is contact information:
The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center/860-510-5000.

Or you can write to:
Chuck Still/Executive Director
Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center
300 Main Street
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
cstill {at} town.old-saybrook.ct(.)us

See you at “The Kate!”
Ann Nyberg, Trustee, KHCAC