In 1930, Lawrence Langner and his wife Armina Marshall commissioned Cleo Throckmorton to design a theatre in an old cow barn in the middle of an apple orchard. Since it opened in 1931, the now legendary Westport Country Playhouse has presented over 700 plays, including 75 that have gone on to Broadway.

Architects FFMG and FDA prepared a master plan for improvements to the Playhouse that will retain the character of the beloved historic theatre. The improvements will address audience and performer comfort and safety, and provide – for the first time in the Playhouse’s history – a year round performance space.

Among specific recommendations incorporated into the plan is a new stagehouse that makes more sophisticated and diverse productions possible. Other improvements include front-of-house and backstage additions containing updated and expanded lobbies, dressing rooms, and workshops; and new heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. FDA’s contributions include a new stage, sound and lighting equipment, control booth, new orchestra pit and new and more comfortable seating. There will also be a new rehearsal hall in an adjacent barn, as well as new scene shop and dressing rooms.