Lexington theatre group to buy rehearsal space 14 years early thanks to donation
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- $2M gift lets The Lex purchase rehearsal property 14 years ahead of plan
- Donation supports four of six planned renovation phases, including new theatre
- Company nears $3.5M raised toward $7.4M goal for expanded arts campus buildout
Last year, after a decade of searching for rehearsal space wherever they could find it, The Lexington Theatre Company found a new home on Alexandria Drive.
The local group, which trains the next generation of theatre artists by pairing them up with professional talent in Broadway-caliber productions, had a 15-year goal of one day using its fundraising dollars to own the property.
And now, thanks to a $2 million gift from the James A. and Martha R. Brown Charitable Foundation, the theatre group known as The Lex will now buy the property at 2323 Alexandria Drive 14 years ahead of schedule.
The donation brings the theater group almost halfway to its fundraising goal of $7.4 million and helps finish four of six phases of property renovations. The headquarters for The Lexington Theatre Company includes a rehearsal space they also intend to use as a small theatre, a costume shop, scenery workshop, offices and more.
“The Browns have enabled a significant leap forward in our multi-year plan to build out our campus for The Lexington Theatre Company,” said Jeromy Smith, co-founder and producing director. “I’m especially excited that this gift supports the phase four completion of the Alex Theatre — a 120-seat black box that will allow us to expand our programming with new works, smaller productions, and shows in development, alongside our large mainstage productions at the Opera House. It’s a major step toward meeting growing demand and sharing even more masterful storytelling with our community.”
The Lex has raised $3.5 million so far in its Comprehensive Campaign, dedicated to making its home a state-of-the-art rehearsal, education and entertainment venue for smaller shows to complement its large-scale productions at the Lexington Opera House, like its most recent show, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”
“This gift comes at a pivotal moment for The Lex,” said Lyndy Franklin Smith, co-founder and artistic director. “What began as a seed of an idea has grown into a nationally respected, professional arts organization. This support allows us to take the next step in our evolution — expanding our impact and deepening our mission to make theatre accessible, enriching, and essential across Central Kentucky. We’re proud to honor the Brown’s commitment to the community by naming the property The Lexington Theatre Company’s James A. and Martha R. Brown Creative Center.”
The theatre group, created 10 years ago by the married couple, has year-round training and workshops. Among its many success stories is alum and Tony Award-nominated actor Colton Ryan, who has come back to perform in the company’s popular Concert with the Stars.
“We’re glad to support The Lexington Theatre Company as it grows,” said Harry Richart of the Brown Foundation. “This investment allows this extraordinary organization to craft more productions, teach more classes, reach more students, achieve more accessibility, and ultimately create more life-changing, memory-making, community-building experiences for Lexington and beyond.”
