Currently Under Construction:

Build a 200-seat Nancy Marine Studio Theatre
and State-of-the-Art Education Center

Warner Theatre Historical Art

View Slideshow of Images from Construction

On a crisp autumn night in 2002, thousands of Litchfield County citizens gathered on Main Street in Torrington to celebrate together the realization of a common dream: the gala reopening of the Warner Theatre after more than 20 years of fundraising, planning, and construction. A labor of love.

As they walked into the fully restored Lobby, with its

eye-popping art deco designs, murals of historic Litchfield County sites, rich mahogany, and vintage etched glass chandeliers, they were transported back to 1931. The 1,772-seat auditorium was also returned to its original gilded splendor, featuring all new seats, vividly hued crushed velvet, luxurious golden draperies, a constellation of hand-painted azure on the ceiling surrounding the stunning giant star chandelier -- the audience felt the full force of a dream come true.

A Brief History of the Warner

Built in 1931 as a Warner Brothers movie palace, the theatre was sold in the 1950’s as part of a federally mandated divestment. With business declining and expenses soaring through the 1960’s and 1970’s, deferred maintenance began to take its toll.

Facing certain foreclosure in 1981, the owners closed the Warner and in March of that year put the property on the market for $275,000. With the theatre slated for demolition in 1982, a concerned group of citizens formed the not-for-profit Northwest Connecticut Association for the Arts, Inc. to save the theatre.

This group led a dramatic grass-roots campaign successfully raising the money necessary to purchase the Warner Theatre. The shared vision of those individuals is the foundation for the A Star is Reborn campaign to restore and expand the Warner Theatre.

What We've Done So Far...

The leadership of the Warner Theatre has set a goal of over $19,000,000 for the Campaign to restore and expand the Warner Theatre through Phases I & II. To date, the Warner has secured over $15,000,0000. This is a testament to the nature of the project and the universal support the Warner has received from a wide range of constituents.

Phase I was led by Ken Merz of Litchfield and Brian Mattiello of Torrington and was completed in November 2002; Phase II has already been initiated and has resulted in additional support from the State and the surrounding communities.

Under the leadership of Ken Merz and now Chuck Brower of Torrington, and with the support of the Warner's board of directors, dedicated staff and volunteers, the Warner Team is actively engaged in fundraising for Phase II, making this the most successful capital campaign for a private non-profit organization in Northwest Connecticut.

Phase I Accomplishments

Full upgrades of the Warner Theatre building infrastructure, including new roofs, plumbing, HVAC, electrical service and fire and safety protection systems.

Americans with Disabilities Act improvements include expanded seating for people with disabilities, an assisted listening system for the hearing impaired, complete renovation of the restrooms, and the installation of an elevator from the orchestra level to the balcony.

Complete renovation of the Main Street façade, including the installation of the 50-foot vertical sign, a restoration of the original marquee, and restoration of storefronts for the box office and adjacent vendors.

Installation of state-of-the-art lighting and sound system.

The return of the star chandelier with gold tone ceiling; recreation of original wall color and art deco carpeting.

Complete restoration of all public areas of the building, including lobbies and auditorium.

Phase II and Moving On

Northwest Connecticut has discovered the Arts as a catalyst for economic revival. With the Warner Theatre and its neighbor, the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts, downtown Torrington is a destination for arts, culture and world-class entertainment.

Northwest Connecticut’s economic competitiveness depends on a thriving arts enclave and, in particular, our ability to realize the complete vision of the Warner Theatre. That vision, which includes a fully restored art deco treasure, a vibrant center for arts education, a new 200-seat Nancy Marine Studio Theatre and a commitment to rich and diverse programming is well on its way to being fulfilled.

Through the consistent generosity of the State of Connecticut and Litchfield County citizens and businesses, the Warner Theatre has become a world-class performing arts center. We have validated our ability to complete this journey and make the Warner the finest, small-city cultural center in America.

Phase I focused on upgrading infrastructure and restoring the main theatre. Now we move forward with Phase II, expanding the Warner’s programming, building theatre audiences, recruiting members, and improving the arts education program.

Phase II retains the three major goals identified at the outset of this campaign:

Restore the entire theatre to its original splendor
Improve and expand our overall facilities as a valued arts, cultural, and education center
Serve as the catalyst for the revitalization of downtown Torrington

Specifically, this final phase of the campaign will go toward supporting the vital areas of: construction of the new 200-seat Nancy Marine Studio Theatre, stage house development, expansion of our arts education facilities and improving the financial position of the business enterprise that supports the Warner.

The following steps will accomplish this:

Build a 200-seat Nancy Marine Studio Theatre and State-of-the-Art Education Center

Create a new flexible performance space and costume and carpentry/scene shop providing enhanced programming . The new 200-seat Nancy Marine Studio Theatre will allow the Warner to offer a greater variety of performances. The intimate space will be ideal for more avant-garde theatre performances, chamber music concerts, civic events and the premieres of developing works. In addition, the carpentry/scene shop and Costume facilities will provide training opportunities for those interested in theatrical productions.

Expand the arts education programs for children and adults . The current education program has outgrown its space and must expand to meet a growing audience, including adults. A strategic plan for the education department has identified the need for better facilities, including additional classrooms, performance spaces, and rehearsal halls. Our education department will thrive with these new facilities.

Build on our Financial Base

The final piece of Phase I was the retirement of the theatre mortgage and purchase of the adjacent Mertz building , thereby bringing about significant debt relief for the Warner organization.

Protect our investments and plan for the future . The final goal of Phase II is to create an endowment fund to ensure that our investments today pay dividends for the next generation of theatre patrons and supporters. We are committed to sustaining the theatre.

Build a Main Stage House

Increase our ability to attract major national and international performers . An appealing and marketable performance schedule is essential to building audiences. Strong performances by recognizable national acts energize and broaden the arts experience for the community.

Enhance building efficiency and improve safety . Built in 1931 as a movie theatre, the Warner stage was not intended for theatrical performing arts. Expansion of the stage, re-working the stage exits, and adding modern dressing room facilities will improve our professional status. In addition, we will update behind-the-scenes systems including the stage rigging. The addition of a modern steel counterweight system will improve efficiency and ensure higher quality performances.

All this will bring continued success to the Warner Theatre and those it serves, while supporting the renewal of the region’s economic hub—downtown Torrington. As construction takes place, a significant amount of space will remain dedicated to retail tenants. A growing arts enclave in partnership with the preservation of a retail presence on Main Street will enhance our local economy and the quality of life in Northwest Connecticut.

In 2006 the Warner received a $1,000,000 challenge gift from Carole and Ray Neag. As such, the former Mertz Department Store, which will house the new 200-seat Nancy Marine Studio Theatre and the new Warner Theatre Center for Arts Education, will be renamed the Carole and Ray Neag Performing Arts Center. Help us meet the Neag Challenge! Your gifts will be matched dollar for dollar by Carole and Ray up to $1,000,000.