Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre facts for kids
The Pawtucket Armory, which formerly housed the Gamm Theatre
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| Address | 1245 Jefferson Boulevard Warwick, Rhode Island United States |
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| Type | Regional theatre |
| Capacity | 175–300 |
The Gamm Theatre is a special place where actors perform plays for an audience. It's a non-profit theater, which means it uses any money it earns to put on more shows and keep the theater running, rather than making a profit for owners. It's located in Warwick, Rhode Island.
Contents
History of The Gamm Theatre
How The Gamm Theatre Started
The Gamm Theatre began in October 1984. It was first called Alias Stage. Seven students from the Trinity Rep Conservatory, a drama school, started it after they graduated.
Their first home was at the Riverside Mills in Providence. But sadly, a fire destroyed that building on December 18, 1989.
Moving to New Locations
Alias Stage quickly found a new place. They reopened at the Atlantic Mills on January 18, 1990. This new spot was right next to their old one.
In 1994, the group moved again. They found a semi-permanent garage space in the Jewelry District of Providence. A group of directors helped support the theater.
Becoming The Gamm Theatre
In 1998, Alias Stage performed its last play, King Lear. After this, they changed their name to The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre. This happened because they received a large donation of $100,000 from Alan Shawn Feinstein. He gave the money in memory of his sister.
The theater stayed in the Jewelry District until October 2002. They needed a bigger space and better financial organization. The Gamm Theatre took a short break after performing Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
Soon after, they hired Tony Estrella as the Artistic Director. Yvonne Seggerman became the managing director. The Gamm reopened in November 2003. Their new home was a 135-seat theater in an old police garage. This garage was part of the Pawtucket Armory Center.
New Home in Warwick
The Gamm Theatre moved again for its 34th season in 2018–2019. This was their first full season in a new, permanent home. They moved from Pawtucket to Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick. This new location was the old Ocean State Theatre building.
The theater is still being updated and renovated. They are mixing parts of the original building with new technology. This helps them improve the theater for their shows. They are currently performing their 35th season.
Awards and Recognition
The Gamm Theatre has won several important awards for its excellent work.
Elliot Norton Awards
The Elliot Norton Awards celebrate great theater in the Boston area.
- 2008: Outstanding New Script for Radio Free Emerson by Paul Grellong.
- 2009: Outstanding Production by a Small Company for their play Awake and Sing!.
- 2010: A Special Citation. This award recognized The Gamm Theatre for being a "theatrical jewel" in the region. It celebrated their 25th season.
Pell Award for Excellence in the Arts
The Pell Awards honor artists who show great talent and achievement.
- 2013: Artistic Director Tony Estrella received this award.
Recent Seasons
The Gamm Theatre performs a variety of plays each season. Here are some of their recent seasons:
2019–20 Season
- Admissions by Joshua Harmon
- JQA by Aaron Posner
- A Doll's House, Part 2 by Lucas Hnath
- Mary Jane by Amy Herzog
- It's A Wonderful Life: a Live Radio Play adapted by Joe Landry
2017–18 Season
- The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
- Incognito by Nick Payne
- The SantaLand Diaries adapted from the story by David Sedaris
- Uncle Vanya by Anton Checkov
- As You Like It by William Shakespeare
2016–17 Season
- Arcadia by Tom Stoppard
- American Buffalo (play) by David Mamet
- The Children's Hour by Lillian Hellman
- The Nether by Jennifer Haley
- King Elizabeth adapted from Mary Stuart (play) by Friedrich Schiller
