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Playhouse Puts Accessibility First
by Magaly Roig
The Summit Playhouse, one of the oldest community theatres in the country, has distinguished itself as an inspirational leader in making its historic facility accessible to all. The Playhouse now proudly boasts an elevator, and a completely accessible bathroom on the lower level in its charming and intimate space.
Nancy on the front steps of the Summit Playhouse.
The Playhouse has a venerable history in the Summit community. It originally served as a public library from 1891 until the community outgrew it in 1911. It remained empty until 1918 when a group of Summit residents rented it for $1 a year and used it as a theatre in order to perform plays as a way to raise money for a WWI relief fund. In 1938 the library sold the entire facility to the Summit Playhouse Association for the charitable sum of $1.00. A sorely needed renovation in 1960 added 100 permanent seats. The Summit Playhouse became a wellrespected venue for local performers and artists, and its influence upon the community was appreciated and acknowledged year after year.
However, some citizens were unable to attend performances because the historical building was not accessible for people with mobility impairment. As is sometimes the case for grassroots organizations, accessibility seemed an insurmountable goal to this volunteer group. These audiences were given the following options: to be carried into the playhouse or see a production on videotape.
Enter Nancy Boucher, a dedicated member of the Playhouse since 1968, who was inspired to change the layout of the theater because of her mother. Nancy’s mother was a long-time patron and supporter of the playhouse but due to increasing physical limitations soon found that she could no longer attend what was once an important cultural activity for her. After her mother passed in 2001, Nancy dedicated herself to the challenge of making the building accessible so that no one would have to forgo coming to another production at the Playhouse. She felt a deep responsibility to this organization because of Marjorie Jefferson, a founder of the Summit Playhouse. “I remember when Marjorie Jefferson pulled me aside once and said ‘You are the youngest one here, you will be the one who will help us run the playhouse one day.’”
Ms. Boucher took these words to heart. “I love the tradition here and I have met so many wonderful people, I have to do everything in my power to keep this playhouse thriving.” Nancy began writing and sending grant applications to various organizations and foundations seeking funding, but the September 11 tragedy brought her project to a temporary halt. The board decided that until all funds were received they could not begin construction. Although the transformation of the theater was a large undertaking, Nancy, a retired school teacher with no prior experience in a capital campaign, did not let any of those obstacles hinder her. Her labor of love took shape as the Playhouse Board sold bricks, and plaques on the theater seats.
After applying for many grants, they finally received support from the Union County Development Block Grant, Summit Area Public Foundation, The Hyde & Watson Foundation, and the Manley Winser Foundation. She also hosted a series of three benefits, one of which featured the acclaimed playwright Christopher Durang, author of Sister Mary Ignatius Explains it All For You. Mr. Durang made a guest appearance in his hometown of Summit to support the theatre where he had performed at a young age.
Through the delays and funding crises, permits and plans, Nancy persevered. When the Playhouse had finally reached the goal of raising $160,000 construction was underway and her dream finally began to resonate. Nancy found support in Deryk Harrison, her Project Manager, and also a Board member. He assisted Nancy in working with the contractors and getting all of the estimates. The Rosen Group and Nancy Dougherty were the architects on the project and did a beautiful job blending the old building with the new. The Forst Construction Company in Berkeley Heights was the construction company on the project. The tireless support from her Board and the community propelled this dream into reality. Finally, on May 22, 2004 Nancy Boucher and other members of the Summit Playhouse proudly hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the fact that their newly renovated theater was now officially accessible to everyone. 
The plaque that was given to Nancy and Deryk now hangs in the lobby of the theatre.Three years of hard work and dedication has left a lasting legacy for the community and the Summit Playhouse has become a role-model for other organizations. They have proven that with the right amount of dedication any organization, no matter how large or small, can make their space accessible.
The patrons of the playhouse have been extremely appreciative, and in particular one of their company directors Joann Scanlon who can not even begin to explain the impact it has had on her life. “I used to direct a lot but after I was diagnosed with MS I was not able to enter the building and so I had to forfeit directing at the Playhouse. My son even directed The Crucible here last season and the only way I could see his production was to be carried into the theatre,” stated Ms. Scanlon. “Now I am back at the Playhouse directing the third play this season called A Delicated Balance. Ever since I have had MS I had to let go of acting and directing has become my life. I missed Summit Playhouse, it was my home base, so I am so delighted that I am able to come back.” Nancy is looking forward to greeting and welcoming new faces into the Playhouse. Every patron is now able to attend the theatre with dignity.
Nancy stands in front of the new lift outside the playhouse. Photos: Magaly Roig.
Never one to sit on her laurels, this remarkable woman is already onto her next renovation project. She is currently working on a new campaign to raise $40,000 for façade restoration. She states with a simple pride, “I love this playhouse, I think it is a beautiful building and I would never want to see it fall apart.” Thanks to Nancy and all of the board’s efforts, the Summit Playhouse will remain a historical theatre that is open for all to experience.
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The Cultural Access Network is a co-sponsored project of the New Jersey Theatre Alliance and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts / Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.