Renovations continue downtown for the oldest building in the original colonies built strictly for performing arts.

Charleston’s historic Dock Street Theatre, located at the corner of Church and Queen Streets, is undergoing its second major renovation since opening in 1736.  It has remained a working theatre since its doors first opened.  

Theatre director and Charleston native Christopher Parham spoke about the theatre’s construction at Addlestone Library Oct. 21 as part of the Friends of the Library lecture series called “Hard Luck, Good Times.”

The City of Charleston funded the project, which is expected to cost around $15 million. Funds were raised through municipal grants, the National Park Service and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, among others, Parham said.

Charleston resident Suzanne Togna saw the renovation’s progress over time.  She said that the construction looked pretty major, but she was unaware of the projected cost.

Theatre construction was specifically designed to maintain the original Georgian feel, Parham said. Even after two renovations, the theatre maintains its original architectural elements from the 1700s.

At the main entrance, the curvy wrought-iron of the balcony and five stucco columns below it are proof that the Georgian feel still exists.  The front entrance has been called the most photographed location in Charleston, Parham said.  

Various parts of both the interior and exterior of the building were renovated. The building needed renovations for both safety and practical reasons, Parham said.

“The orchestra pit did not fit the doorway,” Parham said. He showed a picture of a sign above the old stairway that read, “Duck or Bleed.”

The scaffolding currently located along Church Street hides the progress made on the exterior renovations.

The columns located at the main entrance were taken apart. They were then strengthened with iron and steel for support and returned to their original location. The main entrance steps were replaced with stone from the same Connecticut quarry as the original steps.

As a result of the renovations, rooms like the tap room can be used again.  This room was enlarged and its original bark and woodwork were refurbished.  It is now open and ready for use after being closed for 11 years.

The balcony above the front entrance was hanging by a thread, Parham said.  The old cornices that supported the balcony were removed and replaced with iron cornices of a similar-looking reproduction.

Parham wanted the Georgian style to remain throughout the entire theatre.

“We were able to keep that original feel all the way through backstage,” Parham said.

South Carolina cypress wood composed a majority of the interior of the theatre.  The color of the wood darkened over the years from wear and tear.  After some work, the wood was lightened close to its original shade.

Both the plumbing and electric were upgraded for the first time sine the 1930s. They have been modernized far from the candlelight chandeliers that first provided the actors with stage lighting, Parham said.

Charleston residents were informed of the renovations prior to any construction. Parham said he realized that the proximity of neighbors influenced the project.

“We knew that the project would have an influence on the neighborhood.  It is unique to working in other areas.  [The neighbors] are very patient and very receptive,” Parham said.

Charleston resident Margaret Dawson enjoyed Parham’s updates on the theatre’s renovation.

“I thought he was very entertaining,” Dawson said. “I’m delighted that I managed to get here.”

Charleston Stage Company is the current resident company at the Dock Street Theatre.  

The theatre is scheduled to reopen in March of 2010.  It will first open short-term for public tours.  It will close again until Spoleto Festival USA opens in May.

“I can’t wait for Spoleto,” Dawson said.