Eastman Theatre Temporarily Closes
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An historic venue in Rochester closes its doors temporarily while it undergoes a $46.5 million renovation project.
By October, Eastman Theatre will be known as Kodak Hall at Eastman Theater.
Eastman School of Music faculty and staff came for one last look at Eastman Theatre before it turns into Kodak Hall in 91 days.
"These changes should make the acoustics much more lively in the hall and really much richer sound," Eastman School of Music Dean Jamal Rossi said.
The theatre project adds box seating, a brand new atrium and recital hall. It'll also take away nearly 700 chairs inside the main concert hall. It’s a subtraction Rossi believes will make ticket sales more competitive.
"People will have to buy season tickets if they're going to want to see that person. Unlike today where there's always a seat available, I think it will bring demand," Rossi said.
The red velvet seats on the mezzanine level and the loges were redone in the1970’s. Artisan Works refurbished them back to its original version."
"They'll experience all new visitor amenities, a completely ADA accessible at every level of the theater, brand new seating," Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra President and CEO Charles Owens said.
The RPO is Eastman Theatre's main tenant. It will play in Kodak Hall for the first time October 8.
"Today is one last opportunity to reflect back on that really proud history as we prepare to close the theatre in the next three months to undergo a remarkable transformation," Owens said.