THE FUTURE IS NOW ( click here to see the progress)
Modell Performing Arts Center on WBAL TV click here.
The future is now for the final phase of The Lyric’s modernization, a plan developed in the mid-1970’s, to renovate and update the facility. Originally built as a concert hall and due to limitations of the stage-house and technical systems, The Lyric is unable to preserve its historic legacy and position to attract and support first class performing arts, educational and community-based events. That changes with the expansion of the stage area and the modernization of the back stage rigging system, as well as the following:
- Installation of a fly tower that will lift the roof and the height of the stage from 62 feet to 80 feet and the depth will increase from 32 feet to 38 feet.
- Safety improvements to the stage-house and upgrades to the mechanical system
- Replacement of wood grid with steel grid and new power distribution
- Concurrently, replacing the existing “hemp” or sandbag system, which cannot handle heavy loads and modern equipment, with a mechanical counterweight system.
- Improvements to fire separation in the stage-house/auditorium.
- Upgrades of stage equipment including new lights and sound system and new lighting and sound positions.
- New stage curtains.
- Preservation and maintenance of historical aspects of the auditorium including new lighting, recarpeting and repainting.
- Replacing orchestra pit with a restructured pit, saving much in time, labor and money for each production.
The Lyric gratefully acknowledges those who supported the capital campaign including:
Patricia and Arthur Modell
The State of Maryland
The City of Baltimore
The Baltimore County Commission on Arts and Sciences
Barbara and Edward J. Brody
The Middendorf Foundation, Inc.
France-Merrick Foundation
The Whiting Turner Contracting Company
The John J. Leidy Foundation
The Emmert Hobbs Foundation, Inc.
Rosenberg, Martin, Greenberg, LLP
MedStar
Suntrust Bank
Wachovia Bank
Verizon
Kemp Family Foundation
Van Dyke Family Foundation
T Rowe Price
The Abell Foundation
The Modell Performing Arts Center at the Lyric is partially funded by an operating grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.
