Bank of America Gifts $3 Million to Trinity Repertory Company

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Trinity Repertory Company, a cornerstone of Rhode Island's artistic community.

News Summary

Bank of America has pledged a $3 million donation to the Trinity Repertory Company, funding capital improvements and artistic programming at Rhode Island’s leading theater. Announced at the Pell Awards Gala, $2.75 million will enhance the historic Lederer Theater Center, while $250,000 supports educational initiatives. This investment aims to enhance accessibility and community engagement, ensuring Trinity Rep’s continued impact in the local arts scene.

Providence, Rhode Island – Bank of America Donates $3 Million to Enhance Trinity Repertory Company

Bank of America has announced a major philanthropic gift of $3 million to Trinity Repertory Company, aimed at supporting significant capital improvements and expanding artistic programming at Rhode Island’s premier theater. The announcement was made during the 2025 Pell Awards Gala on Tuesday evening, marking a pivotal moment for the institution known for its impactful contributions to the arts.

This substantial donation will see $2.75 million allocated for much-needed capital enhancements at the Lederer Theater Center, Trinity Rep’s historic venue that dates back to 1917. These improvements are an integral part of Trinity Rep’s Public Square Campaign, which seeks to bolster physical accessibility and develop new public spaces within the theater.

A centerpiece of this renovation includes plans for a five-story addition, complete with a new elevator that will better connect various performance spaces, lobbies, offices, and production facilities. Furthermore, the Chace Theater will see upgrades that will allow for a flexible seating system, new chairs, and a lighting grid equipped with LED technology, enhancing the overall experience for theatergoers.

The remaining $250,000 from the investment will fund annual artistic, educational, and community engagement initiatives over a five-year period, demonstrating Bank of America’s commitment to enriching the cultural landscape of the region.

Theater Leadership and Community Impact

Trinity Rep’s Executive Director emphasized the profound effect of this investment on the organization’s future planning and extended an invitation for other businesses to follow suit in supporting local arts initiatives. The Artistic Director acknowledged the critical role this funding will play in continuing to produce community-centered art, further solidifying Trinity Rep as a vital cultural institution.

Trinity Repertory Company Overview

Founded in 1963, Trinity Repertory Company has established itself as a notable player in the theater community, recognized for its emotionally potent productions and winner of a Tony Award. The company showcases an array of classic and contemporary works, including the long-standing holiday tradition of A Christmas Carol, performed annually for over 40 years. The lineup for the 2025–26 season features a diverse selection of plays, including Cold War Choir Practice, A Christmas Carol, The Roommate, The Winter’s Tale, Primary Trust, and Next to Normal. Subscriptions for the upcoming season are currently available through the theater’s website.

Current Productions

At present, Trinity Rep is showcasing “Blues for an Alabama Sky” by Pearl Cleage, which runs through June 29, 2025. This poignant play delves into themes of race, sexuality, and the struggles faced by individuals living in 1930s Harlem during the Great Depression. The production features a talented cast, with notable performances by Cloteal L. Horne as Angel, Taavon Gamble as Guy, and Meagan Dilworth as Delia. The direction by Jackie Davis has garnered attention for its effective interpretation of the characters and themes present in Cleage’s work.

Critical reception has been favorable, highlighting the impressive set design by Michael McGarty and the period-appropriate costumes designed by Amber Voner. The play articulates the survival struggles of its characters amidst the harsh realities of their time, reaffirming the continued relevance of Trinity Rep’s commitment to meaningful storytelling through the performing arts.

This historic investment by Bank of America serves as a catalyst for Trinity Repertory Company’s ongoing commitment to the arts, ensuring it remains an essential part of Rhode Island’s cultural fabric.