Earlier this month the beloved theater space at Guild Hall in East Hampton re-opened its doors to the public.
The last push of a facility-wide capital improvements project — which started back in 2021 and included the cultural institution’s galleries, education space outdoor gardens and gathering spaces, offices, and art handling — the theater’s re-opening was celebrated with a benefit concert on July 12 and was renamed the Hilarie and Mitchell Morgan Theater. The Morgan’s landmark gift enabled the comprehensive transformation of the theater, according to a press release from Guild Hall, which was overseen by historic architecture leader Peter Pennoyer Architects and executed by local construction company, Ben Krupinski Builder. The renovation included a near-total upgrade of the building’s 24,000-square-foot building and 46,000-square-foot property.
In addition to state-of-the-art technology and acoustic improvements, like a remote control camera system for live streaming and a dynamic audio lift system, the theater’s iconic circus-tent ceiling motif and ballroom chandeliers remain and the space boasts a newer, more comfortable seating arrangement.
“We’ve had meaningful and inspiring experiences in this theater, the Morgan’s say, “and we hope this gift will ensure it remains a special place for future generations.”
The re-opening benefit concert featured Broadway’s Billy Porter and the line-up for the remainder of the season will maintain that caliber of entertainment, as Guild Hall will host upcoming concerts with Rufus Wainwright, the Branford Marsalis Quartet, and G.E. Smith, hold comedy nights for humorists Zainab Johnson David Sedaris and feature conversations food experts Florence Fabricant and Giada de Laurentiis. For a list of more upcoming events, click here.
“The renovation of Guild Hall’s facilities has been a labor of love,” the release says, “involving hundreds of individuals, from the building team to the donors. The beautiful performance space now operates at the highest level of technology and comfort, providing exceptional experiences for artists and audiences.”
