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There used to be a time when theaters like Rattlestick were populated all over the West Village and other downtown spaces. Now, we are a rare breed. Investing in Rattlestick means investing in the creative genius of artists, in essential community building and gathering, and in a home that is intimate, creative and possible.
We need an artistic home that takes care of our community of artists and audiences. We need an elevator so that anyone, regardless of their physical ability, can access our theater. We need dedicated restrooms for the audience and the artists. We need expanded dressing rooms so we can produce bigger-cast productions. We need sound-proofing and assisted listening devices. Each of these needs enables us to be more courageous and more caring.
Supporting the Artistic Home Campaign is an investment in Rattlestick’s artists, audience members, and our viability to make dynamic work now and for the future. Let us dream together of a future filled with promise and possibilities.
- Daniella Topol, Artistic Director
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Project Overview
First built in 1854 and occupied by Rattlestick since 1999, Rattlestick’s home at 224 Waverly serves as both an artistic hub for the creation of daring new theater works and a gathering place where communities encounter new art and engage in complex conversations around urgent social issues. From our beloved theater, Rattlestick has helped launch the careers of hundreds of artists and produced over 125 new plays in pursuit of our mission to produce ambitious plays that inspire empathy and provoke conversation that will lead to positive social change.
The Artistic Home Campaign is designed to renovate, restore, and enhance accessibility at our theater. This investment in our artists and our community will create a more welcoming space to gather, converse, and experience work that is brave, challenging, and memorable.
View a virtual walk-through of the space here.
Major Scope Elements
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Flexible Staging, Seating, and Lighting: Creating a theater that can be used in radically intimate and innovative configurations
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ADA-Accessible Elevator: Inviting audiences and artists of diverse needs into our second-floor space
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ADA-Accessible Bathrooms in Lobby and Backstage: Giving audiences and artists access to restrooms without disrupting performances
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Expanded Performer Dressing Rooms: Accommodating ambitious work with larger casts
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Expanded Lobby and Ticket Counter: Encouraging interaction and creating space for movement before and after performances
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Sound-Proof Flooring and Windows, and Assistive Listening: Allowing for ideal sound levels for our productions, audiences, and neighbors
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Lowering the Stage to Floor Level: Allowing for greater artistic flexibility while enhancing artist accessibility
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Street-level and Facade Upgrades: Giving Rattlestick a more distinctive presence on Waverly Place
Project Team
Architecture Outfit: Our architect (AO) has worked on a number of notable performing arts projects across NYC, such as New York Theatre Workshop, Symphony Space, and Theatre Row.
Cirgenski+Company: Project Manager and Owner’s Representative, Chris Cirgenski, is a recognized leader in NYC’s development and project management, construction, and architecture industries, with over 40 years of diverse experience.
A special thanks to our Campaign Consultant Jennie Greer at A.D. Hamingson & Associates.
Matching Donations
Rattlestick is fortunate to have received grants from foundational partners that allowed us to match new donations made in support of our Artistic Home Campaign." ANA "The Victor C. & Clara C. Battin Foundation matched all new contributions to the campaign under $5,000 at a 2:1 match, up to a total of $75,000. The Howard Gilman Foundation provided a 2:1 match on all contributions of $5,000 and over, up to a total of $250,000.
Timeline
October 2021 to December 2022
Fundraising Campaign
October 2021 to Spring 2023
Project Design, City Contracting, and Construction Bidding
Spring/Summer 2023
Begin Construction and Renovation, Rattlestick Productions Re-Locate
Winter/Spring 2024
Rattlestick Re-Occupancy at 224 Waverly Place
Campaign Supporters
NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the Manhattan Borough President’s Office and New York City Council.
New York State Council on the Arts
The Victor C. & Clara C. Battin Foundation
The Baisley Powell Elebash Fund
The Booth Ferris Foundation
Frederic R. Coudert Foundation
The Howard Gilman Foundation
Still Point Fund
The Dorothy Strelsin Foundation
The Tow Foundation
The W Trust
Nina Adams & Moreson H. Kaplan
Daryl & Joseph Boren
Raymond & Pamela Brunt
Faith Catlin & John L. Griesemer
Kathleen Chalfant
The Herrman Family
Mary & Gregory Juedes
Kaufelt Family Fund
Wendie & Bud Kroll
Robert Lomison & Drew Cross
Rosalee & Bruce Lovett
Nevin Law Group/Doug Nevin
Steven Phillips & Isabel Swift
Zachary Quinto
Betty P. Rauch
Adam Sheer
Ted Snowdon
Susan Strickler & Richard Kaye
Stinson Stroup
Jennifer Swidler
Jeff Thamkittikasem & Liz Gillroy
Susan & Charles Tribbitt
Naming Opportunities
$250,000 Stage (Reserved)
$150,000 Elevator (Reserved)
$150,000 Upper Lobby (Reserved)
$100,000 Dressing Room
$100,000 Lower Lobby (Reserved)
$100,000 Stairwell (Reserved)
$75,000 Box Office
$50,000 Audience Hallway
$25,000 Green Room (Reserved)
$25,000 Window (3 Available, 1 Reserved)
$5,000 Stairway Step (5 Available, 9 Reserved)
$1,500 Rattlestick Seat (13 Reserved)
$25 Bathroom Wall
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Please email Laura at lzlatos@rattlestick.org for more information and naming opportunities.