This necessary move was initiated during a time of widespread hardship. After closing our doors due to the shutdown of public performances in March 2020, we learned that we could no longer lease the space we had called our home for over a decade, and quietly moved out in August 2020 without knowing where (or if) we would land.

This unexpected circumstance presented us with an urgent challenge to think broadly and act quickly. Despite the uncertainty, we met the demands of this moment with abundant hope— and, thanks to the leadership of our Board and generosity of our supporters, we’ve been able to take this leap of faith and land on our feet.

We now have the chance to co-create this space, built with great care and intention to support the artists who will come to define the future of theater and performance. Together, we will rebuild for a joyful return, recommit to the partnerships we’ve built over the past 15 years, and reimagine the ways we live up to that promise for decades to come.

Sadly, we were not able to gather people together at our dear old 207 Starr Street space for one final goodbye party. So for those of you who will miss it and want to take a little time to reminisce with us, check out this 'Farewell to 207' video. Co-founders Noel Allain and Sue Kessler sit at the old building and talk about the Starr's early days, turning points, inspiration, and moving on to the new space.

WISHES FOR THE NEW STARR

Check out our ongoing series of artists wish-making for our new home! We are grateful to share the below collection of stories and reflections from some of our past artists:

THE ROAD TO REOPENING

Photo gallery of the construction process

The Starr’s Permanent Home was acquired with Matt Hopkins and Jane Brody of Vicus Partners, with financing from The New York Pooled PRI Fund managed by SeaChange Capital Partners, legal services from Blank Rome LLP and Ken Gordon Esq., invaluable guidance from Randi Berry and Paul Leibowitz of IndieSpace, and rigorous collaboration with Lucy Jackson, and will be designed and constructed by architect Peter Zuspan of Bureau V and project managers About The Work. The Starr Campaign for a Permanent Home & Flourishing Future was developed with support from P.S.314.