The celebrated Casino Theatre was designed by Stanford White in 1880 as part of McKim, Mead & White’s Newport Casino complex, now owned by the International Tennis Hall of Fame.  Incorporating sports facilities, reception areas, restaurants, shops, and a museum, this recreational complex was considered to be the “first resort country club in America.”  It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1987. The Stanford White Casino Theatre, the architect’s first and only extant theatre, is part of a complex considered to be among the most important shingle-style buildings in America. The Theatre has remained unused for many years and is the last portion of the complex requiring restoration.

The Stanford White Casino Theatre Company, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, has leased the Theatre from the International Tennis Hall of Fame. To ensure its viability, Salve Regina University will manage and maintain the Theatre as an educational facility for its Department of Theatre Arts during the academic year.  The building will also be made available to other groups for theatrical productions, summer stock, films, concerts, lectures, and other public events.

The structure appears sound and still retains much of its original decorative finishes.  The beautifully proportioned interior has excellent acoustics.  The space measures 80 x 100 feet, with a 30 x 60 foot stage. It has approximately 300 seats, and is exquisitely adorned in plaster and gilt.  The finely detailed decorations of shells, woven wickerwork, and lattice patterns in gold leaf on the ivory walls and upper boxes are all original.

Budget and Timetable
It is estimated that the project will cost $4.5 million.  To date, more than $4.2 million has been raised. Construction has begun and will be completed before the end of the summer.  		Goals of the Project
The project will restore the Theatre, update its facilities to modern safety standards, and enable the building to operate in its original function as a performing arts space.  As much of the building’s existing original architectural features as possible will be retained. The project will include the installation of an appropriate heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, updated electrical systems, fire suppression, theatrical equipment, and handicap facilities, as well as the installation of new restrooms.