Construction update
January 2011
Dorie Smiley

The fly tower (or stage house) of the Academy of Music Theatre has been completely re-built. Originally constructed in 1905, this edifice towered over downtown Lynchburg for decades before the theatre officially closed in 1958. In a surprise and "freak" storm in 1993, the entire back wall of the stage was destroyed. Exposed to the elements, the rubble was finally cleared and a make-shift wall enclosed the theatre's proscenium arch, leaving no stage at all for years - until now.

The structure is basically a shell at this point with the rigging, mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems and interior finishes to be done in conjunction with the restoration work on the theatre. But it is 14 feet higher and 12 feet deeper than its original dimensions. Along with state-of-the-art equipment and rigging mechanisms, the new tower will enable the theatre to produce and present nearly everything technical that modern productions and touring shows will require.

Next up will to begin work on the construction of the new lobby connector in the adjoining 6th Street corridor so as not to hinder or undo the delicate and pain-staking plaster restoration work that will be done inside the historic theatre itself. This lobby connector building construction will also allow for revamping water and sewer lines from 5th Street and Main Street down to Commerce St. A new underground mechanical plant must be installed at this time as well.

Meanwhile, the capital campaign committee is working diligently to raise the funds to complete the restoration of the historic Academy of Music Theatre.

A great project moving forward!