Vermont Business Magazine The Paramount Theatre announced today that work has been completed to address stabilization of the damage discovered during a routine inspection of the building. A certificate of occupancy has been issued by Vermont Fire and Safety and The Paramount will re-open for the Vermont Center for Dance Education presentation of “Alice in Wonderland” on June 10th, the subsequent annual spring residency of Rutland Youth Theater and their production of “Honk” on June 15thand 16thand all Paramount Theatre programming going forward.
The specific challenge is an issue with one of the roof trusses (five trusses run north to south in support of the roof) that The Paramount believes was damaged at its base due to excess snow load this past winter. Paramount staff, board and outside experts have been investigating this for the better part of six weeks now, and are addressing the situation in two phases: first, temporary support shoring (floor to ceiling scaffolding), now in place in specific areas in the balcony, and second: the design and implementation of the final repairs to the damaged truss above the balcony ceiling.
Paramount Theatre looking down from the balcony. File photo.
The investigation process took some time and once everyone understood the magnitude of the issue, The Paramount decided it would be in the best interests of all involved to cancel shows until the shoring was in place. The theatre emphasized sincere regret for the inconvenience caused to patrons, Miss Lorraine’s School of Dance and Miss Jackie’s Studio of Dance. The theatre issued a profound thanks to those loyal partners for both their patience and their flexibility in forging a workable solution for the continuation of their performances. In the meantime, nothing has changed, moved, or worsened with the roof.
Bruce Bouchard, Executive Director commented, “We are so heartened by the outflowing of support and encouragement during this difficult time. We thank the patience extended to us as we worked through a long and complicated process. The Paramount will re-open a week from Sunday and Eric is hard at work shaping up another fine Season for 2018 and 2019. Thank you again, one and all.”
Source:Paramount Theatre 6.1.2018