Spokane Civic Theatre, founded in 1947, is an award- winning nonprofit community theater. The organization, which initially operated out of a number of historical downtown Spokane venues, including the Post Theater and Riverside Playhouse, is a major contributor to the cultural landscape of the city and Inland Northwest and a fixture in downtown Spokane’s North Bank area.
Blue areas indicate renovation | Red areas indicate addition
Designed by Moritz Kundig, Spokane Civic Theatre’s Howard Street facility, including the 334-seat Main Stage, opened in 1967. A three story addition was constructed in 1972, creating the scene and costume shops as well as a space that would become the highly regarded Firth J Chew Studio Theatre. Where the Main Stage lobby has been enhanced since then, otherwise, the building’s footprint remains true to its original conception.
Since opening its Howard Street facility, Civic has produced more than 650 shows, averaging 180 performances each season — created by more than 400 volunteer cast and crew members, along with conducting innumerable performing arts classes, predominantly for the youth of the community.
Spokane Civic Theatre celebrates its 75th anniversary at a time of burgeoning growth in our area. With many dining, entertainment and recreation options, development in the area, including the outdoor downtown stadium, is booming. While Civic is thrilled to be in the midst of this transformation, where the potential for collaboration is ripe, this growth requires Civic to soundproof its facility. Concurrently, this moment presents a golden opportunity for Civic to renovate its fifty year-old building and create more space for more art, artists, educational opportunities, economic development and impact, strategic partnerships, and community investment.
1CIVIC is a capital campaign meant to render soundproofing and renovation plans, developed with Cortner Architecture and Trane Technologies, a reality.
PROJECT PRIORITIES
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Expertly developed exterior sound mitigating barriers, cementing operability of the facility
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A 7,300 square foot addition for educational space and rehearsals
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Facility-wide ADA accessibility
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Relocate Studio Theatre entrance to Dean Street
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Redesigned environmental and mechanical controls
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Improved production and technology capabilities, thus advancing economic impact
With a successful capital campaign, it will be necessary to move our programming to offsite venues once construction begins. Considering Spokane Civic Theatre started at the Post Theater and Riverside Playhouse 75 years ago, it is part of Civic’s DNA to produce in the community. The experiences will provide opportunities to work in new spaces, with new collaborators and build more creative and strategic partnerships.
Click through the photos below to see the renderings:
New spaces:
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Administrative offices
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Dedicated Civic Academy classroom
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Dedicated rehearsal room
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New box office
Reimagined existing spaces:
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Expanded Main Stage lobby and concessions
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Raised roof in Main Stage auditorium
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Remodeled Studio lobby and theatre
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Redesigned scene shop and costume shop
Click through the photos below to see the floor plans:
Please participate in this new chapter in history and ensure a vibrant Civic for tomorrow.
Thank you for investing in Spokane Civic Theatre’s Mission-driven, history-grounded, living legacy.
