Ocean State to begin theater construction

By Rebecca Keister
PBN Staff Writer

WARWICK – The Ocean State Theatre Co. will begin construction this month on its new theater in Warwick that also will become headquarters for the non-profit organization’s staff.

“After years of working to fulfill our mission of offering year-round programming, all of the pieces have fallen into place just before our fifth anniversary season is about to open,” said Amiee Turner, OSTC’s producing artistic director, in a statement. “The timing couldn’t have been more ideal.”

OSTC begins its fifth anniversary today at the Theatre By The Sea in Matunuck with a production of Forever Plaid.

OSTC saw plans to open in East Greenwich fall through last fall. It was then that the new location, on Jefferson Boulevard in Warwick, a former Verizon Fios Headquarters that will be converted in a modern performance venue, was considered.

Construction is scheduled to be completed by October. The company anticipates opening with a December holiday production and producing a truncated 2013 season. Show titles and dates will be announced in the next few weeks.

“From the beginning we have been looking for a space to be a sister space to Theater By The Sea,” Turner said. “Theatre By The Sea is not a year-round facility. We feel very welcome already.”

The project is being financed by Pawtucket Credit Union.