Mission and History
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.
Equity, diversity, inclusion, & access:
The Hangar Theatre’s Commitment to Anti-Racist/Anti-Oppressive Practices
The Hangar Theatre Company believes we must examine our participation in upholding the structure of white supremacy, which throughout history has centered and prioritized the lives and stories of white and white passing individuals. We acknowledge the pain our complicity may have caused, and are dedicating time and thought to learning about the history and pervasiveness of systemic racism and the racist and exclusionary practices in our industry. Click HERE to learn more.
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.
Arts education and training have always been central to the Hangar’s mission. In addition to its summer Mainstage and KIDDSTUFF productions and annual winter show, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, the Hangar is home to the Lab Company, a nationally recognized incubator for rising actors, directors, and playwrights as well as an extensive apprenticeship and intern program in our Production Department. The Hangar’s Next Generation School of Theatre offers classes for students in grades 3-12, and Project 4 sends teaching artists into area classrooms.
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
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 September 2019): click here
Annual Report: to read the current and past Annual Reports, click here
Artistic Leadership
Robert Moss 1982-1997
Mark Ramont 1997-2000
Kevin Moriarty 2000-2007
Robert Moss (interim) 2008
Peter Flynn 2009-2012
Stephanie Yankwitt (interim) 2012
Jen Waldman 2013-2015
Michael Barakiva 2015-2020
Shirley Serotsky 2020-Present
Board of Trustees Leadership
Thomas Niederkorn 1975-1983
David Allee 1984
William Downing 1985
Jim Novack 1986
John A. Elliott 1987-1990
Andrea Fleck Clardy 1991-1992
Julia C. Bonney 1993
Raymond Schlather 1994-1996
Linda Trees Mack 1997-1999
Laurel Southard 2000-2002
Roy Dexheimer 2003-2005
Paula Peter 2006-2008
Mary Kane 2009-2010
Ann Costello 2011-2012
Shelley Semmler 2013-2014
Margaret Shackell 2015-2016
Jamie Wells 2017-2018
Jessica Casey 2019-2020
Kristen Burt 2021-2022
Management Leadership
Carol True Palmer 1987-1992
Lynn Fitzpatrick 1992-1993
Jerold R. Smith 1994-1998
Jamie Grady 1999
Lisa Bushlow 2000-2012
Josh Friedman 2012-2017
MaryBeth Bunge 2017-2020
RJ Lavine 2021-2022
