A new theater is coming to Main Street. Well actually, the space has always been there, hidden on Willow Avenue tucked behind the Federated Church of Hyannis at 320 Main St.
The Hyannis Arts Hall, nestled in the church’s former fellowship hall at 81 Willow Ave., will be a venue for all kinds of arts and culture for the community.
“There is nothing like this really in downtown Hyannis,” said Bill Ferrall a member of the Hyannis Arts Hall Board of Directors, as he walked through the building. Although The Cordial Eye, at 438 Main St. is also promoting the arts, Hyannis Arts Hall will be a conglomeration of arts and culture, according to Ferrall.
The space inside appears nondescript. Two offices are off the main hallway and a larger room — what used to be A Baby Center — is to the right. Dark grey carpet is found throughout.
The Hyannis Film Festival has already held screenings in the larger room in the building, however, the main attraction is to the left of the main entrance.
Past the double doors and a full commercial kitchen — which likely won’t be in commission until next year — is a 3,000 square-foot auditorium with wooden arched ceilings, windows lining the walls and a proscenium arch stage.
A screen on the stage will be used for film screenings, but it needs to be replaced. Walls will be painted and curtains need to be replaced, and the commercial kitchen will need to be licensed for use. Ferrall estimates approximately $150,000 in total renovations costs.
Stage shows, live concerts, movie screenings
The Hyannis Arts Hall board plans to use this space for movie screenings, stage shows and live concerts, as well as dinner theater and other functions when it is ready.
Ferrall said the sky’s the limit — though it will be mainly dedicated to the arts.
As one of the founders of the Hyannis Film Festival, Ferrall is happy that the group has a place to call home.
“It’s a two-year lease with an extension of another year, and we’re hoping that when they get to the end, they can buy it,” said Hyannis Arts Hall board member Sherrie Scudder.
Scudder and Ferrall were clear they want the space to be rented out and shared with other groups and organizations looking for a place for their next production, dinner or event.
History of the building
The auditorium was originally the site of a garage, according to Scudder, who is also a member of the Federated Church.
After World War II, church members wanted a new sanctuary on Main Street. As the church was being built, people gathered in the garage for worship and Sunday School. In 1953, when the sanctuary was complete, the garage was torn down and replaced with the auditorium
“They built this space, and they wanted it for the congregation to have as a place to celebrate, recreation, dinners,” said Scudder.
The space was even used as a volleyball court for children.
But the auditorium has been left untouched for years. “Timing is everything,” said Scudder.
The Hyannis Arts and Flea
One big plan is the Hyannis Arts and Flea, a year-round flea market with vendors selling vintage and artisanal goods, modeled after the Brooklyn Flea in New York City.
“Brooklyn Flea has evolved to be vintage dealers, arts and craftspeople, food trucks,” said Ferrall, “That’s the spirit we want to get in here.”
Ferrall hopes the flea market will generate enough revenue to cover the costs of the space. The first official flea market will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 24.
The Hyannis Arts Hall is a registered nonprofit with the state, and is applying for a 501 (c) 3 designation, according to Ferrall. In the meantime, the organization has an anonymous donor who has helped with the floor demolition costs, and they continue to rely on grants and donations.
Desiree Nikfardjam is a reporter covering breaking and trending news. She graduated from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. You can reach her at [email protected].