Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre and City of Daphne Announce Nicholson Center for the Arts Revitalization Project

With it Comes Major Investments in Accessibility, Infrastructure and the Future of the Arts on the Eastern Shore

DAPHNE — Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre (ESRT), in partnership with the City of Daphne, is proud to announce the launch of a major revitalization project for the Nicholson Center for the Arts. This multi-phase initiative will transform the historic facility into a vibrant, fully equipped home for the performing arts, supporting students, artists and audiences across Baldwin County and beyond. With spaces for private lessons, rehearsals and professional-grade performances, the Nicholson Center will serve as a creative anchor for the community and a key step toward establishing Daphne as a true arts destination on the Eastern Shore.

This transformative project has been launched through a powerful combination of public and private support, with more than $175,000 secured to date in grants, donations, and in-kind contributions—just the beginning of what’s to come. ESRT has received a $49,900 grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts, a $50,000 grant from the Cox Family Foundation, a $25,000 grant from the Daniel Foundation and a $10,000 gift from United Bank. Additional in-kind contributions and partnerships from the City of Daphne, Crucible Construction, Swift Supply and 68 Ventures are also helping bring this vision to life. Planned upgrades include ADA-compliant walkways and parking, critical electrical improvements for safety and production capabilities, and new brick signage to enhance the center’s visibility and presence in the community. These investments represent the first phase of a multi-stage vision for the Nicholson Center’s revitalization. Renovations are expected to be completed by the end of summer.

“Our goal is to establish the Nicholson Center as a cornerstone of the arts in Daphne,” said Erin Langley, Founder, Executive Director and Artistic Director of ESRT. “This project is about more than just renovations. It is about creating a space where students can discover their voices, where artists can do meaningful work and where the community can come together through the power of live performance. By investing in accessibility, education and artistic excellence, we are not just improving a building. We are creating a legacy that will serve the Eastern Shore for generations to come.”

ESRT plans to continue fundraising in the coming months to support additional upgrades and long-term programming, with the goal of fully realizing the Nicholson Center’s potential as a regional arts hub.

Next steps in the revitalization will focus on enhancing the center’s technical capabilities to support professional-grade performances and expanded educational programming. Planned improvements include a new lighting truss and grid, a state-of-the-art lighting board and energy-efficient LED stage lighting. These upgrades will not only elevate the quality of productions but will also provide students with hands-on training in technical theatre, giving them access to industry-standard equipment and skills that can open doors to future careers in the arts.

With expanded capabilities, upgraded support spaces and a renewed commitment to artistic excellence, the Nicholson Center for the Arts is poised to become a dynamic home for performances, workshops and community gatherings. As the revitalization continues, ESRT remains focused on creating inclusive, transformative experiences for students and audiences alike. The investment in this space marks not only a physical transformation but a cultural one, ensuring that the arts continue to flourish on the Eastern Shore for years to come.

Founded by Erin Langley in 2012, Eastern Shore Repertory Theatre has grown into one of the region’s most respected youth arts organizations, known for its commitment to education, excellence and community impact. ESRT produces a wide range of performances throughout the year, including the beloved Theatre on the Bluff, an annual outdoor event that draws thousands to Henry George Park in Fairhope, as well as large-scale musicals, educational field trip performances and seasonal productions featuring students of all ages. Since its founding, ESRT has performed for more than 100,000 audience members and provided students with extraordinary opportunities such as performing in Central Park, attending the Junior Theater Festival and training with Broadway professionals in hands-on workshops.

In addition to performances, ESRT offers a full spectrum of educational opportunities for students of all ages. These include introductory programs for elementary students, summer camps and more advanced musical theatre and dance training for older students. The organization also prioritizes accessibility through the work of the ESRT Auxiliary, which raises approximately $10,000 each year in scholarships to help students participate in classes, camps and productions. Through these programs, ESRT continues to nurture the next generation of performers, technicians and creative leaders on the Eastern Shore.

To request interviews, images or additional information, contact impact@easternshorerep.org.