The Firehouse Center for the Arts is a 501 © 3 non-profit organization generously supported by foundations, businesses, and individuals like you. We are committed to making the arts accessible to all and to keeping our admission prices intentionally low.
Support the Firehouse Elevator Fund
The Firehouse has been the heart of the North Shore community for over 200 years; this historic building housing the old fire house was a focal point of cultural and intellectual thought even in its earliest days. In 1991, the Firehouse Center for the Arts was born, reinvigorating the site as a hub that celebrates the artistic expression and passion of our community.
Today, our 191-seat theatre continues to bring live theatre, comedy, music and family programming to audiences of all ages in an intimate, welcoming and affordable setting. The Firehouse presents over 170 performances every season, and welcomes over 25,000 patrons into our theatre each year. Plus, our education program serves an estimated 5,000 members of our community ages 3-17 and 55+, giving them the opportunity to find their voice on our stage. But our timeless, historic building comes with timeless challenges. The most urgent of these is our elevator.
The elevator is the lifeline that connects our entire building: it allows patrons to reach our second-floor theatre, and it provides essential access to the basement bathrooms, which also serve the public on behalf of the City of Newburyport. It connects our patrons with the patrons at Sea Level Oyster Bar, making our building a hub for enjoying all the best that Newburyport has to offer. Without it, many in our community would be unable to fully enjoy or even attend our performances or utilize this public space.
For us at the Firehouse, accessibility is not optional. It’s essential. As a public venue, we are committed to meeting ADA requirements and ensuring that every member of our community can experience the arts without barriers. In addition to performances, we host classes, workshops, and community programs designed for every generation, making the elevator’s operation vital not only for access to entertainment, but also for lifelong learning and community connection. Your contributions will allow us to keep the tradition of connecting and inspiring Newburyport alive. Thank you.
Unlock the building. Unlock Possibility.
Just as the admission fee to a museum does not cover their operating costs, ticket prices do not cover our costs of production, operations, and the honor and responsibility of maintaining a historic facility. If you have a desire to support the arts, invest in a historic facility, or are looking for ways to promote your business, please contact us at 978-462-7736.
