Five Questions With: Chris Simpson

The final schematics are still under development, but the renovations include the aforementioned infrastructure along with comprehensive improvements to the structure, electrical, HVAC and life-safety systems.
The final schematics are still under development, but the renovations include the aforementioned infrastructure along with comprehensive improvements to the structure, electrical, HVAC and life-safety systems.

Christopher J. Simpson, a lifelong resident of South Kingstown, founded the Contemporary Theater Company in 2005 while completing his undergraduate studies in comparative literature, African studies, and theater at Princeton University. When he graduated in 2009, he received the Martin Dale fellowship and returned to Rhode Island to transform the company and his community. Simpson has served as artistic director since the company’s inception. Here he discusses the latest developments at the theater company, which include the May purchase of the building at 321 Main St., next to the theater, where a riverfront patio for outdoor performances will open in late August.

PBN: How much did this building cost, why did the purchase make sense and what else is included in your $390,000 worth of expansion plans?
SIMPSON:
The building and lot were acquired for $255,000. The expansion allows us to install the Charles Errol Exley Riverfront Performance Plaza which will host audiences by the end of the summer and for decades to come. The plaza will be a centerpiece of Wakefield’s Thursday night Riverfire events and will feature live music and theater throughout the warmer seasons.
In time, the building will be renovated to include a rehearsal room nearly the size of our theater at 327 Main St., as well as a smaller classroom, wardrobe, and technical production space. The building will also host a conference room with vistas of the serene Saugatucket River.

PBN: What renovations are left to complete? What is the timetable?
SIMPSON
: A temporary rehearsal space will be installed for use later this summer, with the full renovations slated for completion by late spring, 2016.
The final schematics are still under development, but the renovations include the aforementioned infrastructure along with comprehensive improvements to the structure, electrical, HVAC and life-safety systems.

PBN: What will be your first outdoor performance on the patio?
SIMPSON:
Our first performance on the new stage will be a concert reprising our successful winterlong singing contest. The top performers will share the stage to demonstrate the powerful voice talent we have right here in Rhode Island. The use of local talent is very important to us, as we use local performers in all of our shows, in keeping with our mission to bring opportunities to the members of our community.

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PBN: You just completed a capital campaign to match a donor’s gift of $30,000 to put toward expansion. What will the extension of that matching gift through June 30 allow?
SIMPSON:
We’ve already hit the $30,000 matching target, but we believe that the extra few weeks will allow us to match a total of $40,000. These funds will immediately go to the new renovations, and to the design phases of subsequent steps.

PBN: What types of theatrical programming will benefit from the new digs?
SIMPSON:
Every facet of our company will be able to improve or expand with the new resources. Our 7 Mainstage productions per year will have longer and more flexible rehearsal schedules with our new facilities. Our new works development season, second stage programming, and educational classes will be able will be able to expand now that we’ll have three viable additional spaces to occupy concurrently.
This renovation comprehensively empowers and expands our company, our ensemble, and our community to more fully invest the necessary time and energy in the process of creating and appreciating live performances of every type. It’s a tremendous leap forward for South County, and one that we’re eager to further explore in the months to come.

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