Mission STATEMENT:

The Hangar Theatre creates and presents performances of exceptional quality in New York’s Finger Lakes region while training the next generation of theatre artists.  We inspire our community with work and classes that enrich, entertain, and enlighten.  We believe in the power of theatre to transform lives.

VISION STATEMENT:

The Hangar Theatre is an artistic home that nurtures a lifelong love of the performing arts.

CORE VALUES:

• Gratitude
• Generosity
• Equality
• Inclusion
• Diversity
• Quality
• Integrity

ACCESSIBILITY POLICY:

The Hangar Theatre is committed to an inclusive and welcoming environment for all. We strive to offer all patrons an enjoyable experience in safe and accommodating surroundings. We will do our best to make any necessary adjustments or modifications to enhance your theatre experience. Please let our box office know of any accommodations or requirements when purchasing tickets.

LAND acknowledgment:

The Hangar Theatre is located on the traditional homelands of the Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ’ (the Cayuga Nation). The Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ’ are members of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, an alliance of six sovereign Nations with a historic and contemporary presence on this land. The Confederacy precedes the establishment of the Hangar Theatre, New York state, and the United States of America. With this statement, the Hangar Theatre acknowledges the painful history of Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ’ dispossession, and honors the ongoing connection of Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ’ people, past and present, to these lands and waters.

ABOUT THE HANGAR THEATRE:

On July 11, 1975, the Hangar Theatre opened with Man of La Mancha, thanks to more than a decade’s effort by impassioned citizens in Ithaca, NY. Today, the Hangar Theatre has achieved national prominence as a regional theatre producing exceptional plays and serving as a learning environment for rising theatre professionals.

Visionary leadership, community support, and challenges posed by the facility’s unusual structure all weave together in the Hangar’s history. The original conversion of a municipal airport hangar was made possible by a grant from Nelson Rockefeller and the combined efforts of the Ithaca Repertory Theatre (renamed the Hangar Theatre Company in 1978), Cornell University, Ithaca College, and the City of Ithaca.  In 2010, the Hangar for All Seasons capital campaign met its $4.6 million goal for a complete building renovation, creating a year-round home for the Hangar Theatre Company as well as a venue for other national artists and local organizations. The Hangar hosts events from folk concerts to opera galas for audiences of all ages.

The Hangar exists today because of hundreds of individuals passionate about the arts. In addition to skilled theatrical professionals, they include committed volunteers, teachers, and mentors; community businesses and professionals; and elected officials and foundations. It is a “cast list” far too long to record in full, but all have made the Hangar Theatre an essential part of the quality of life in our region.

“The Hangar belongs to Ithaca. It is one of those rare theatre companies that was started not by an artist, but by the community.” (Mark Ramont, Hangar artistic director for 1997-2000)

50 Seasons of Hangar History:

In honor of our 50th Mainstage season in 2024, a look back at the past five decades of Hangar history.
1975-1984: The Hangar Takes Flight
1985-1994: Growth and Innovation
1995-2004: Transitions and Trailblazing
2005-2014: A Hangar for All Seasons

History of the Hangar Theatre Building: click here

Hangar History Timeline: click here

Hangar Theatre Awards History: click here

Leadership History: click here

Production History: (updated November 2025): click here

Annual Report: to read the current and past Annual Reports, click here