2nd Story Theatre Company Closes

2nd Story Theatre Company Closes

In an open letter, Ed Shea, the artistic director of the 2nd Story Theatre in Warren, announced that the company is closing on Sunday. It is another hit for the “off Trinity” theater community that continues to show instability.

In 2017, Ocean State Theatre in Warwick closed leaving massive debt. And, The Gamm Theater in Pawtucket announced it was moving from Pawtucket to the Ocean State space in Warwick.

Shea wrote in his letter:

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Dear Friends of 2nd Story Theatre,

All good things must come to an end.

With great sadness we announce that 2nd Story Theatre will close its doors following the final performance of Dancing Lessons on Sunday, July 1, 2018.

We are grateful to the State of Rhode Island for its exceptional cultural landscape and to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and our many granting agencies for their generous artistic support.

We are very grateful to the hundreds of actors, technicians, designers, directors, staff, and volunteers who have made a temporary home at 2nd Story throughout our history.

And we are deeply grateful to the loyal, engaged audience who have been our family during performances and our generous supporters at all times.

We will miss you all so much. Thanks for the memories.

Best,

Ed Shea

Artistic Director

The company had received hundreds of thousands in state support over the years from the Rhode Island Council of the Arts.

Editor's Note: This story was originally published 6/26/18 8:35 PM