The Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, New Hampshire, is more than just a theater. It’s a time machine that takes us back through American history. This old building has seen a lot since it was first built during the Civil War. Today, it’s a special place where people can enjoy shows and learn about the past. Let’s find out what makes this place so unique.
Key Takeaways
– The Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, NH, was originally built in 1864 during the Civil War and became a theater in 1927.
– The theater has undergone renovations in 1995 and 2003 to modernize while keeping its historic charm.
– In 2019, the BNH Stage was added, offering a smaller venue for intimate events.
– The Capitol Center hosts a variety of performances, including music, plays, dance, and comedy, appealing to all age groups.
– Educational programs are offered to local schools, inspiring children to learn about and appreciate the arts.
– The theater collaborates with local organizations to promote inclusivity and cultural diversity, offering free tickets to some community groups.
– Public art initiatives supported by the Capitol Center contribute to making Concord a vibrant and creative city.
– Future plans include diverse shows for all ages and support for both international and local artists, ensuring the theater remains a key part of New Hampshire’s cultural scene.
A Building with Stories to Tell
The Capitol Center for the Arts has a long story. It all started in 1864, during the American Civil War. The building was made when the country was fighting itself. As the years went by, it changed with the times.
In 1927, the building became a theater. It showed vaudeville acts and movies. This was a big change. It went from being just a building to a place where people came to have fun and see new things. The theater grew as America grew, always finding new ways to entertain people.
From War to Entertainment
As time passed, the Capitol Center needed some updates. It had to keep up with what people wanted in a modern theater. In 1995 and 2003, the building got big makeovers. These changes made it better for shows, but they kept the old-time feel of the place.
In 2019, something new was added. It was called the BNH Stage. This smaller room can hold 125 people. It’s good for small shows and parties. This new space shows that the Capitol Center wants to do more for its community. Now, it can have all kinds of events, big and small. For those seeking a different kind of entertainment in New Hampshire, Spacious Skies French Pond in Henniker offers a unique camping experience with access to hiking trails and water activities on French Pond.
Making the Old New Again
For almost 30 years, the Capitol Center has been the heart of Concord’s art scene. It has all kinds of shows. You can see music, plays, dance, and comedy there. This mix means there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s a place where the whole community can come together.
The Capitol Center does more than just put on shows. It also teaches people about art. It has programs for kids in local schools. These programs help young people learn about different kinds of art. They might even inspire some kids to become artists when they grow up.
A Place for Everyone
The Capitol Center doesn’t just stay inside its own walls. It reaches out to the community in many ways. It works with local groups to bring artists and people together. One cool thing they do is have a chef as an artist. This mixes food and art in a fun way.
The Capitol Center also makes sure everyone can enjoy art. They give free tickets to some local groups. This helps people who might not be able to see shows otherwise. By doing this, they bring the community closer together. Everyone can share in the fun of seeing a great show.
Helping the Community
In recent years, the Capitol Center has been working hard to include everyone. They want people from all backgrounds to feel welcome. They work with groups like Overcomers Refugee Services and the Concord Multicultural Festival. These partnerships help show off the many different cultures in Concord.
The Capitol Center also tries to reach out to everyone in other ways. They have free concerts at city events. They made videos with local Native American leaders to honor the land’s history. All of these things help make sure that no matter who you are, you can enjoy what the Capitol Center has to offer.
Welcoming Everyone
The Capitol Center’s love for art spreads throughout Concord. You can see art on the streets and in public places. The city helps put up art that everyone can see. This often gets people talking about what art means to them.
This public art is like taking the ideas from inside the theater and putting them outside for everyone to enjoy. It turns the whole city into a big art gallery. The Capitol Center supports this, helping to make Concord a more colorful and creative place to live.
Art All Around Town
The Capitol Center is always planning for the future. They want to keep bringing great shows to Concord. They have plans for kids’ shows like “Finding Nemo” and “Willy Wonka Jr.” They also have concerts and comedy shows for grown-ups. This mix of shows means there’s always something new to see.
The Capitol Center wants to keep growing and changing. They want to bring in famous performers from around the world. But they also want to help local artists get better. They hope to keep teaching young people about art. By doing all this, they want to stay an important part of New Hampshire’s art world for many years to come.
Looking Ahead
The Capitol Center for the Arts is more than just a building. It’s a part of Concord’s history. The name “Concord” means getting along, and that’s what this place is all about. It brings people together to enjoy art and learn new things.
When you walk into the Capitol Center, you’re walking into a piece of history. The building is old, but the shows are new and exciting. This mix of old and new makes it a special place. It’s not like any other theater you might visit.
As the lights go down and the show begins, remember that you’re part of something big. The Capitol Center for the Arts has been bringing people together for almost 100 years. It has seen Concord change and grow. It has helped people learn about art and about each other. Whether you’ve been there many times or it’s your first visit, you’re now part of its story. The Capitol Center will keep telling Concord’s story for many years to come, one show at a time. After enjoying a performance at the Capitol Center, consider extending your New Hampshire adventure with a stay at Spacious Skies French Pond, where you can unwind in nature and create lasting memories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FFAQ)
Q: What is the Capitol Center for the Arts?
A: The Capitol Center for the Arts is a theater in Concord, New Hampshire, where people can enjoy shows and learn about history.
Q: When was the Capitol Center for the Arts originally built?
A: The Capitol Center for the Arts was originally built in 1864 during the American Civil War.
Q: What kinds of shows can you see at the Capitol Center for the Arts?
A: You can see music, plays, dance, and comedy shows at the Capitol Center for the Arts.
Q: What is the BNH Stage?
A: The BNH Stage is a smaller room added to the Capitol Center in 2019 for small shows and parties, holding up to 125 people.
Q: How does the Capitol Center for the Arts help the community?
A: The Capitol Center helps the community by offering art programs for kids, working with local groups, and giving free tickets to some local organizations.
Q: How does the Capitol Center for the Arts include different cultures?
A: The Capitol Center works with groups like Overcomers Refugee Services and the Concord Multicultural Festival to showcase different cultures and offers free concerts and videos with local Native American leaders.
Q: What future plans does the Capitol Center for the Arts have?
A: The Capitol Center plans to bring in more shows for kids and adults, including famous performers and local artists, and continue teaching young people about art.