A new theater arrives at Main Street. In fact, the space has always been there, hidden on avenue Willow nestled behind the Federated Church of Hyannis At 320, rue Main
The Hyannis Arts Hall, nestled in the old church scholarship room at 81 Willow Ave., will be a place of all kinds of arts and culture for the community.
“There is nothing like in downtown Hyannis,” said Bill Ferrall, a member of the board of directors of Hyannis Arts Hall, while crossing the building. Although The cordial eyeAt 438, rue Main also promotes arts, Hyannis Arts Hall will be a conglomeration of arts and culture, according to Ferrall.
The space inside seems indefinable. Two offices are out of the main corridor and a larger room – which was once A Baby Center – is on the right. The dark gray carpet can be found everywhere.
THE The Hyannis film festival has already held projections In the largest room in the building, however, the main attraction is to the left of the main entrance.
Beyond the double doors and a complete commercial kitchen – which will probably not be in service before next year – is a 3,000 square feet auditorium with arched wooden ceilings, windows that line the walls and an arc of proscenium.
A screen on the stage will be used for film screenings, but it must be replaced. The walls will be painted and the curtains must be replaced, and the commercial cuisine must be authorized to use. Ferrall estimates about $ 150,000 in total renovation costs.
Stage shows, live concerts, film screenings
The Hyannis Arts Hall Board plans to use this space for film projections, stage shows and live concerts, as well as for dinner-theater and other functions when ready.
Ferrall said the sky is the limit – although it is mainly dedicated to the arts.
As one of the founders of Hyannis film festivalFerrall is happy that the group has a place to call at home.
“It is a two -year lease with an extension of another year, and we hope that when they arrive at the end, they can buy it,” said Sherrie Scudder, member of the board of directors of Hyannis Arts Hall.
Scudder and Ferrall were clear that they wanted the space to be rented and shared with other groups and organizations looking for a place for their next production, dinner or event.
Building history
The auditorium was originally the site of a garage, according to Scudder, which is also a member of the federated church.
After the Second World War, the members of the church wanted a new sanctuary on rue Main. While the church was under construction, people gathered in the garage for worship and Sunday school. In 1953, when the sanctuary was finished, the garage was demolished and replaced by the auditorium
“They built this space, and they wanted to make the congregation to celebrate, leisure, dinners,” said Scudder.
The space has even been used as a volleyball court for children.
But the auditorium has remained intact for years. “Timing is everything,” said Scudder.
Hyannis arts and fleas
A large plan is the Hyannis Arts and Flea, a flea market all year round with sellers selling vintage and artisanal products, modeled after the Brooklyn Flea in New York.
“Brooklyn Flea has evolved to be vintage merchants, arts and craftsmen, catering trucks,” said Ferrall, “is the spirit we want to enter here.”
Ferrall hopes that the flea market will generate enough income to cover the costs of space. The first official flea market will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday May 24.
The Hyannis Arts Hall is a non -profit organization recorded with the State and requests a designation 501 (C) 3, according to Ferrall. In the meantime, the organization has an anonymous donor who has helped the soil demolition costs, and they continue to count on subsidies and donations.
Desiree Nikfardjam is a journalist covering shortage and trendy news. She graduated from the Graduate School of Journalism from Columbia University. You can reach it in dnikfardjam@gannett.com.