220 N. Franklin Re-habitation Project

---

In late 1993, a group of Rensselaer residents came together to discuss opportunities for theater that would be open to all, particularly adults who had been involved in the high school or Fendig Children's Theater and who no longer had the opportunity to be on stage. 31 years and over 50 plays and musicals later, Carnegie continues to produce family-friendly entertainment, with local volunteers performing to their friends, families, and fellow community members.

We now produce several shows a year, have our own storage facility filled with props and furniture, and our current board boasts twelve members—individuals who dedicate their time and resources to the success of Carnegie.

 So what’s next for Carnegie? We have been a gypsy troupe, relying on rented or donated venues, racing deadlines to get sets up and to take sets down, to clear the way for other events in these shared spaces. Rehearsals have usually been without sets at all, relying on our actors' imagination and flexibility to work in the final scenes.

Due to the generosity of local families, we are now the proud owners of 220 N. Franklin St. (formerly The Apostolic Bible Church). This building will be the future and permanent home of The Carnegie Players. It is well laid out to be of use for shows, as well as host other community events that are currently, like us, struggling to find low-cost space that is flexible to their needs.

HOWEVER, this building is in need of IMMEDIATE repair; the roof and windows have sat too long without maintenance. We are optimistic that we will find the funds to move forward with this new chapter, or ‘Act’ as it were, in The Carnegie Players' legacy. We are thankful for all our community has done to come together to support local theater.

You can help us achieve this today. Any donation, no matter how small will go a long way toward fulfilling our dream of an open performance space. By sending us a check to 220 N. Franklin St. with 'Building Fund' in the memo line.