LENOX, Mass. (AP) - Shakespeare & Company has received permission to demolish two dilapidated structures on its campus to clear the way for a new outdoor stage.
The Lenox Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to grant a special permit that would allow the theater company to create a theater venue for advertised and ticketed performances, The Berkshire Eagle reported Thursday.
The new stage is critical to help the company after a massive loss of revenue caused by the cancellation of live performances because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“We’re anticipating that next summer, COVID is not going to be gone,” Shakespeare & Company attorney Lori Robbins said. “The theater company needs to survive by offering outdoor performances.”
Theater board Chairman and President Ken Werner said the pandemic has caused the loss of more than $1 million in ticket revenue.
The new outdoor stage would operate during daylight hours from Memorial Day to Columbus Day with as many 543 seats, but only about 200 if the pandemic persists.
The town’s Historical Commission also must sign off on the demolition of the buildings.
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