Generous Gift Ensures a Permanent Downtown Home for Auburn Public Theater
Auburn Public Theater (APT) founding members Angela Daddabbo and Carey Eidel have gifted the building that houses the non-profit APT at 108 Genesee Street to Auburn Public Theater. Purchased by the couple in October 2005 with the purpose of developing a public theater space, the 26,000 square foot former Grants Department Store has been transformed into a vibrant downtown arts center serving Auburn and the CNY region. The gift process was completed on August 30th, 2011.
“It was always our goal for the theater to be self-sustaining,” said Angela Daddabbo. “Motivated by the amazing success and support we have had over the last six years and looking forward to a season filled with exciting new projects, we felt that now was the right time to make this gift.”
In six years, and with the generous support of regional foundations that include the Fred L. Emerson Foundation, the Stardust Foundation of Central NY, the Stanley Metcalf Foundation, the French Foundation and the Columbian Foundation, the Community Foundation of CNY, the John Ben Snow Foundation, the Women’s Fund of CNY, as well as local businesses and individuals, APT has evolved into a dynamic arts center.
“The basic purpose and vision has always been to create a city arts center with offerings diverse enough to bring in people from all walks of life and to enhance the quality of life of the entire region. There was a need for creative life and artistic expression in this city. With the help of our incredible staff who worked for no compensation for years, our board of directors and invaluable volunteers, we achieved a level of success that surpassed our wildest dreams,” said Carey Eidel.
In seven seasons Auburn Public Theater has become a downtown destination, bringing together the community with programming that included performances by Patricia Neal, Livingston Taylor, Paul Mecurio, as well as children’s workshops, local productions & partnerships with 25+ regional nonprofit organizations. This season’s offerings include George Winston, Suzanne Vega and Tommy Tune.
“We are very excited to know that the theater truly belongs to Auburn,” commented Wendy LaDuca, APT Board President. “It is an incredibly generous gift from Angela and Carey and shows their true commitment to the long term success of the theater and the rejuvenation of downtown Auburn. We are also delighted that Carey will remain on as APT’s Executive Director, and Angela as Artistic Director. Their experience, contacts and vision have made APT what it is today and what we plan it to be in the future.” For further information contact: Wendy LaDuca at 315.730-3650 or wladuca1@yahoo.com.
