PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Ebenezer Scrooge is returning to the stage in Trinity Repertory's annual production of 'A Christmas Carol.' But this year, the beloved play is heading down the street to the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) as Trinity Rep prepares to undertake major renovations to their historic theater. (Courtesy: Laura Weick) One of the goals is to increase accessibility. That starts with replacing their elevator, which only reaches three of the five floors. "You bring grandma to 'A Christmas Carol' and she needs to use an elevator to get the seats, but the elevator only goes to this level, so we can't sell seats in the upper level to families," Artistic Director Curt Columbus told 12 News. Community Focus: Trinity Rep’s Curt Columbus Executive Director Katie Liberman told 12 News the new elevator will give actors better access to their dressing rooms and allow the company to expand the programs and classes they offer. "There are two beautiful studios in the front of the building that cannot be accessed by elevator right now," Liberman explained. "In fact, if you asked people to take the stairs, they would never find their way back." The building on Washington Street was built in 1971 as the Emery Majestic Theater, and Trinity Rep moved in two years later. Columbus said that while the building has served them well, the lack of mobility has gotten in the way of serving the community. "Trinity Rep has a whole host of programs for people on the autism spectrum, has a whole host of programs for people with disabilities, and these programs have developed over the past 12 years," Columbus said. (Courtesy: Laura Weick) The building's 600-seat Chace Theater is also getting an upgrade. According to Liberman, the theater will get new seats, a new stage, and a new state-of-the-art lighting grid. "It transforms the talent that we can attract," Liberman added. "That will be a huge benefit to all Rhode Islanders as they come and get to see plays with the top talent across the country." Perhaps the biggest change will be a 12,000 square-foot expansion on the Adrian Way side. The directors said it will transform the alleyway into a public plaza, complete with better lighting, an expanded skate park and safe pedestrian access. "This kind of transformation will be a symbol of our commitment to cultural spaces, to conversations, to what I consider to be the real democratic impulse where you have art making as a fabric of the community," Columbus said. BACKGROUND: Skateboarders clash with Trinity Repertory over proposed theater expansion (Courtesy: Laura Weick) The entire project is estimated to cost $35 million. The company said they've made major gains in their fundraising efforts, but they weren't ready to announce how much they have raised. Trinity Rep hopes the renovations will turn the building into more than just a theater. "We want to make more space for people to hang out, to have conversations, to buy a cup of coffee and sit and be on their computer," Columbus said. "A place you come for class or a community event, or a place you come to hang out or take a seat for a little while," Liberman added. "We are excited to serve our community in that new way." (Courtesy: Laura Weick) Trinity said construction is expected to start early next year. They hope the project will be complete in time for their fall 2026 season. Tickets for "A Christmas Carol" at PPAC are still available throughout December. A Christmas Carol: Schedule and tickets Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW