Emelin Theatre Welcomes Guests 
Back for 50th Season 
With Renovated Facilities

In spring of 2021, as COVID-19 appeared to wane, Emelin Theatre cautiously prepared their plans to re-open. It instituted health protocols, and focused its programming in an attempt to overcome audience reluctance, but recognized that it might take more than that to get people excited about coming back. 

As ArtsWestchester CEO Janet Langsam reminded the theater’s president, Mark Ettenger: “The mission is to do everything we can to bring audiences back to the arts. People need the arts to get through this challenging period.” 

Reengaging audiences was both a challenge and a collective responsibility. The theater’s board had long wanted to renovate the 50-year-old venue. The timing of doing so during the pandemic would convey a tangible re-commitment to the theater’s mission and the community it serves. 

The “Rise & Shine” campaign was launched to raise funds that would allow the theater to reopen in the fall with a complete renovation. “Rise & Shine” signaled a reawakening of the arts, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation. The campaign kicked off in June 2021, with a virtual celebration that featured livestream performances. Says Ettinger: “It was our way of thanking everyone who helped make our reopening possible, and inviting them all back to a new theatre in the fall.”

Within 60 days, $600,000 was raised, and the renovation began soon after. It included upgrades to sound, lighting and the theater’s HVAC system. New seating, stage curtains, carpeting, improvements to the hospitality area, and fresh paint all contributed to renewing the Emelin as an inviting venue ready to welcome back its audiences. Updated artist dressing rooms made sure the artists that are booked for performances are comfortable as well.  By October 2021, the theater reopened, ready to tackle the challenges that the pandemic has presented.

Nearly one year later, the industry still faces ongoing challenges with continued audience reluctance and rising artistic fees and operating costs. Says Ettenger: “The Emelin’s 2022-23 season is its 50th anniversary season. As the Emelin looks toward the next 50 years, we are focused on stabilization, rejuvenation and growth.”

A version of this article first appeared in the July-August 2022 issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.

About ArtsWestchester

Founded in 1965, ArtsWestchester is New York State’s largest private not-for-profit arts council. The leading funder and advocate for the arts in Westchester and Rockland Counties, ArtsWestchester works to create an equitable, inclusive, vibrant and sustainable community in which the arts are integral to and integrated into every facet of life. Building on its 60-year legacy, ArtsWestchester advances arts and culture by providing grants, bringing artists into schools and community centers, advocating for the arts, and building audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. ArtsWestchester enriches the lives of everyone in the community and operates a multi-use gallery and home for the arts at 31 Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains, New York.