Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre

The Gamm Theatre (previously The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre) is a non-profit theater in Warwick, Rhode Island.

The Gamm Theatre
Address1245 Jefferson Boulevard
Warwick, Rhode Island
United States
TypeRegional theatre
Capacity175–300
Website
www.gammtheatre.org

History

The theater was founded in October 1984 as Alias Stage by seven members of the graduating class of Trinity Rep Conservatory. They performed at the Riverside Mills in Providence's Olneyville neighborhood, but that space was destroyed by a fire on December 18, 1989. Alias reopened at the Atlantic Mills with a production of "The Dragon" on January 18, 1990, immediately adjacent to the Riverside Mills. The group moved to a semi-permanent garage space in the Providence Jewelry District in 1994, backed by a board of directors.[1]

In 1998, the theater staged its last performance as the Alias Stage with King Lear. They then changed their name to the Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre after receiving a donation of $100,000 from Alan Shawn Feinstein in memory of his sister.[2][3] The theater remained in the cramped Jewelry District until October 2002, when they were in need of a larger space and financial re-organization. The Gamm announced a hiatus following a production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Shortly after, they hired Tony Estrella as Artistic Director and Yvonne Seggerman as managing director, and the Gamm reopened in November 2003 with a 135-seat house in an old police garage, part of the Pawtucket Armory Center.[4]

Their 34th season, in 2018–2019, was the first full season after relocating from Pawtucket to their new, permanent home on Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick at the old Ocean State Theatre building. A renovation is underway while they still produce their 35th season in 2019–2020, using elements of the original building fused with newer elements and technology to upgrade the theatre on a full scale. 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.

Awards

Elliot Norton Awards

  • 2008– Outstanding New Script (Paul Grellong, Radio Free Emerson)
  • 2009– Outstanding Production by a Small Company (Awake and Sing!)
  • 2010– Special Citation for having "firmly established itself as a theatrical jewel in our region"[5] celebrating its 25th season

Pell Award for Excellence in the Arts

  • 2013– Artistic Director Tony Estrella

Seasons

2019–20 Season

2017–18 Season

2016–17 Season

2015–16 Season

30th Anniversary Season (2014–15)

2013–14 Season

2012–13 Season

2011–12 Season

2010–11 Season

25th anniversary season (2009–10)

2008–09 Season

2007–08 Season

2006–07 Season

2005–06 Season

2004–05 Season

2003–04 Season

References
  1. "Our History".
  2. Gale, Bill (June 26, 1998). "Alias Stage previews 'King Lear'". The Providence Journal. Retrieved November 10, 2011.
  3. Gale, William K (June 16, 1998). "Alias Stage accepts gift, will change name". The Providence Journal. Retrieved November 10, 2011.
  4. Curley, Robert Patrick (2010). Rhode Island: A Guide to Unique Places. Globe Pequot. p. 21. ISBN 0-7627-5053-7.
  5. "Our History".
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