Renovations will begin in late March 2016 and will include expanding the restrooms and adding casual seating areas, a new theater side lobby lounge/bar, and a row of enlarged seats. To increase show quality, improvements to sound, lighting, and stage-rigging technology will also be undertaken. All of this is made possible through support provided by more than 130 generous donors, including Patricia and Douglas Perry, who provided the lead charitable gift for this project which has helped us raise more than $3.7 million dollars to date, 93% of our $4 million goal.

The Wells Theatre has stood as a downtown Norfolk landmark for over 100 years and has been under the stewardship of Virginia Stage Company for the past 36 years, having served more than 2 million patrons since its last renovation, which was 30 years ago. The Theatre maintains the Beaux Arts design style from its inception, and VSC is committed to preserving that character while welcoming much need renovations.

Under Virginia Stage Company’s guidance, the improvements to patron amenities will bring the Theatre into the next century so that it may continue to serve our community for the next 100 years and will ensure that it remains the most attractive theater destination in Hampton Roads. As such, the theater will have the opportunity to house more pre-Broadway shows, allowing members and patrons to see productions before they debut in New York.

For more information on our Centennial Campaign or to find out how you can add your support, Please contact Keith Stava, Director of Community Relations, at (757) 627-6988 ext 308. 

The video above was shown to the attendees of our Centennial Campaign kick-off event on September 9, 2015.

It tells the story of Jake and Otto Wells, outlines the history of the Virginia Stage Company and the Wells Theatre, and expresses our hopes for the Theatre's future.