Providence is the capital city of Rhode Island, and is home to more than 170,000 people. Located a mere 40 miles away from Boston and a few hours from New York City, Providence has both the history and culture of these two larger cities, but on a smaller scale. More than 10 colleges and universities are located in Rhode Island's capital, providing education and culture to future generations. Theater goers and those with an eye for beauty can visit the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC). The PPAC is a mixture of history and culture all rolled into one building, located on Weybosset Street.
Early Days
The PPAC got its start in 1928 when it opened under the name Loew's Movie Palace. The first film was shown at the Loew's theater on October 6 and was entitled "Excess Baggage." One of the main draws of the theater was not the films it showed, but its opulent design, created by The Rapp brothers. The Rapps (George and C.W.) were architects who made their name by designing beautiful movie houses, complete with chandeliers hanging from the ceilings, marble columns and detailed moldings on the walls. Over the years, the Providence Performing Arts Center operated or was known by several names, including the Palace Theatre and the Ocean State Theatre.
Distinctions
The PPAC, still under the Loew's name, earned the distinction of being named to the National Register of Historic Places, a division of the National Park Service, in 1977. Historic places of this kind must have a proven area that makes the building unique or worthy of the honor. George and C.W. Rapp's elaborate design of the original movie house gives the theater the "historic significance" it needed to be entered into the National Register, with the "period of significance" being the Golden Age of the movies, from 1925 to 1949.
Renovations
The Providence Performing Arts Center has undergone massive renovations throughout its history. With some of the early work done, the name was changed to the current PPAC in 1982. Renovations throughout the 1990s and early 2000s have allowed the theater to accommodate large Broadway productions as well as orchestra performances. Technology has been brought up-to-date over the years with the addition of air conditioning and heating systems, fire safety measures, LED marquees and flat screen television monitors. Updated seating and electrical wiring have been installed, while cosmetic renovations have recreated the original 1920s-era styling of the Rapp brothers.
Capital Campaign
Renovations cost money, and the PPAC hit the campaign trail in the form of capital campaign fundraising from 2002 to 2006. Local donors contributed to the fund in order to bring the PPAC up to twenty-first century standards. Each ticket that is sold for PPAC performances gives a little bit back to the Restoration Fund. The capital campaign proceeds also make it possible for the Providence Performing Arts Centers to perform outreach to its community.
Community Programs
The PPAC has prided itself on being active in the greater Providence community and participates in a variety of programs that benefit area schools. The ARTS scholarship program gives middle schoolers an opportunity to go to arts-based summer camps across the state. Middle school students also have the opportunity to see selected shows and dance performances at the PPAC during the school year, free of charge. PPAC administrators also recognize service people by reserving preferred seating for some of the performances, expressly for military personnel and their families.
