Asheville Community Theatre Renovation*

Originally constructed in 1972, Asheville Community Theatre had never undergone a major renovation until 2016 when we embarked on Phase 1 renovation whose focus was on performance experience and actor support. Community theatres by nature tend to be constrained in many of the same ways other non-profit organizations are. In the beginning of the project great care was taken to understand project goals, develop a realistic budget, and devise a timely design and construction approach so that the project would be viable.

For the renovation of the theatre space proper, we took a comprehensive approach – replacing interior finishes and providing new seating, proscenium, handicap access to the stage, a new sound booth, addressing acoustic issues, and integrating new lighting and sound systems. Back of house areas included major renovation to the green room and expanded/remodeled dressing rooms. These allowed the Theatre to accommodate more actors and do in a more comfortable setting. In addition, much needed building code updates were made and a new roof was installed. The project, which ultimately met the client’s goals for both cost and timing ensured the Theatre can provide a high quality experience for decades to come.

*This project was designed by Carleton Collins while serving as a project architect at another firm.