January 10, 2012
For Immediate Release

SOUTH KINGSTOWN - Live theater is coming to downtown Wakefield. The Contemporary Theater Company will open a theater at 323 Main St. in July 2012.

The new theater will be the largest permanent venue in the company's seven-year history. The performance hall will seat 90 patrons and renovations will include the construction of a lobby, a new entryway, a workspace and restrooms, all within the existing building.

The theater will complement the organization's existing Studio at the South County Commons, where the nonprofit will expand its offering of an array of arts classes.

"During the past seven years we have experienced tremendous growth in every facet," Artistic Director Christopher J. Simpson said. "This new theater places us at the heart of our vibrant downtown district while providing us space to grow."

Since its founding in 2005, the company has presented 33 productions and seen its annual theater attendance increase nine-fold. The new venue will allow the company to keep plays on the stage longer thereby offering more people the chance to experience live theater produced by local talent.

The company will launch the new Contemporary Theater venue on July 6, 2012 with the Rhode Island premiere of the farce "Is He Dead?" by Mark Twain. Comedies "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" and "The Foreigner" will round out the summer season at 323 Main St. Additional plays and related arts programs will continue year-round.

The venue is a partnership between the Contemporary Theater Company and property owners Carl and Kenneth Tetzner, who own Phil's Restaurant. The Tetzner family is renovating the block, building retail space and expanding the restaurant. As a whole, the block promises to add to the vibrancy of downtown and raise the prominence of Wakefield as a destination.

"Becoming part of the downtown community has always been a dream and we could not ask for a better partner and better neighbors," Simpson said.

The company will continue to take theater around South County. It will present unique annual productions at venues in South Kingstown and Narragansett, including a holiday show at The Towers in Narragansett and a student production at South Kingstown High School. For the complete season, visit www.TheContemporaryTheater.com.

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Fact Sheet

About the Contemporary Theater Company

• Founded in 2005
• 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, with donations qualifying as tax deductions
• 33 Mainstage theatrical productions presented since 2005
• More than 250 artists involved with the organization since inception
• Founded by Christopher J. Simpson of South Kingstown, RI, now Artistic Director
• Award-winning, including the Providence Phoenix's Best Theater Company (2011)

About 323 Main St., Wakefield, RI

• Grand opening July 6, 2012 with Rhode Island premiere of "Is He Dead?" by Mark Twain
• Single-story, 1,800-square-foot building
• Renovations will include a new performance area, cozy lobby, efficient workspace,
  new front entrance and handicapped-accessible restrooms
• The building footprint will remain unchanged
• In the heart of downtown Wakefield and within easy walking distance of shops, the Saugatucket River, Saugatucket Park, the South County Bike Path, Wakefield Elementary School, South Kingstown High School and a bus line
• Free and ample adjacent parking
• Property owned by Carl and Kenneth Tetzner, owners of Phil's Restaurant

MEDIA CONTACT:
Christopher Simpson
(401) 228-5175
simpson@thecontemporarytheater.com
www.thecontemporarytheater.com