Colonial Theatre

The Colonial Theatre opened in 1924, on Main Street in Keene and quickly became a focal point for the arts. Over the years, the 888-seat Colonial has hosted movies, vaudeville, opera, and community events. In danger of closing in the early 1990s, the community rallied and raised funds for its restoration. Stages’ scope included theatre planning, acoustics, and AV systems design to improve the backstage and public spaces, layout and circulation and accessibility. The stage was also expanded and made taller. The wooden gridiron and hemp rigging system were replaced with modern infrastructure and counterweight rigging systems. New performance lighting, performance sound and video systems were provided. The acoustics were improved with the addition of variable acoustic banners and curtains and addressing sound isolation issues with the exterior. This project opened in April 2022.