Help Bring a Theater to Wakefield

The Contemporary Theater Company, which has been staging shows in various locations around South County since 2005, is establishing a permanent home in downtown Wakefield at 327 Main Street. The benefits are twofold, in that it will finally give CTC its own space to grow and create, and it will enhance the bustling downtown area as the town's only theater. The grand opening is scheduled for July 6, in tandem with neighboring Phil's Restaurant opening its new rooftop dining -- a perfect accompaniment to the new entertainment offerings.

So how can you help? By attending a Zoning Board hearing on Wednesday, February 15 at 7pm. Because the parking lot is slightly smaller than regulations require, the board needs to sign off on the plan. There is ample municipal parking in the area, and several neighboring businesses have offered up their parking lots in support of the project. CTC Artistic Director Christopher Simpson and Phil's proprietors Carl and Ken Tetzner are calling on residents to come down and voice their support, or if they can't make the meeting, to send a letter of support: South Kingstown Town Hall, Attn: Zoning Board of Review, 180 High Street, Wakefield, RI 02879.