Hanna Theatre - Restoration

Restoration

The Hanna Theatre was fully restored and reopened in 2008 with the following changes:

  1. Six styles of seating: regular house seating, private box, banquette, club, lounge, and bar; reduction to 550 person capacity
  2. Multiple ticket-price points for each performance ($20 for lounge area and up to $60 for premium seats)
  3. A three-part hydraulic thrust stage that can lower to create a traditional proscenium stage with a full orchestra pit
  4. A computer controlled mechanical fly system structurally independent of the building to handle more weight, intended to raise and lower scenery
  5. Renovated street-level entrance with a door from the balcony level to an elevator lobby in the Hanna Annex building to allow patrons covered access to a parking garage, and balcony access for disabled patrons
  6. Registration with the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System, in pursuit of a Silver rating, the third-highest rank

The 14.7 million dollar renovation was meant to rejuvenate the house space and create a comfortable atmosphere for theatre patrons. The Hanna Theatre was the last Playhouse Square theatre renovated, a process that began in 1981. Great Lakes Theatre Festival producing artistic director Charles Fee and director Bob Taylor were behind the designs for the new theatre. The renovated Hanna Theatre opened on September 20, 2008.

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