Public-Private Partnership to Invest $12 Million in Renovation of 500-seat Theater 

Facility Undergoes First Major Overhaul Since 1935 

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), Empire State Development (ESD), and Saratoga Performing Arts Center today announced construction is beginning on a $12 million renovation of the Spa Little Theater at Saratoga Spa State Park. The public-private partnership marks the first time this 500-seat venue has undergone a major renovation since it was built in 1935. 

“Saratoga Spa State Park and Saratoga Performing Arts Center are two gems of the Capital Region,” said OPRHP Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser. “A renovated Spa Little Theater will serve as an artistic, educational and cultural hub for the entire region, drawing thousands to the oasis of Saratoga Spa State Park. Thanks to Governor Hochul for her continued support and our longstanding and valued partnership with SPAC. We look forward to welcoming visitors for an improved experience at the renovated theater in 2026.” 

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The renovation of the Spa Little Theater in Saratoga Spa State Park is an investment in the Capital Region's arts, culture and tourism economies, supporting jobs and promoting regional growth. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York continues to advance projects that promote creative opportunities and welcome more residents and visitors to explore and experience communities across the state."

“Today’s groundbreaking represents far more than the start of a construction project – it is a powerful investment in the future of SPAC and in the cultural life of this region. Revitalizing this beloved theater will allow us to expand the transformative, year-round artistic and educational experiences that connect our community to the arts, to nature, and to one another,” said Elizabeth Sobol, Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Performing Arts Center. “We are profoundly grateful to our extraordinary partners at New York State Parks, and to Governor Kathy Hochul, the New York State Legislature, Empire State Development and to our generous board and donors whose support and belief in our mission have made this milestone possible. We invite all who cherish this space to join us in supporting the next chapter of its restoration and growth.” 

The project will revitalize the theater with 17,125 square feet of interior and exterior renovation. The exterior renovation will retain and enhance the structure’s historic architecture and columns with repointing and masonry work. Restored stone steps and a redesigned accessible entryway will improve the ability for patrons to comfortably attend year-round programming in the theater.  

Interior upgrades include a new floor plan, updated seats and increased ADA seating, and an environmentally efficient state-of-the-art HVAC system. Renovations to the stage include a new floor and ADA-compliant entrances. The lobby will also be completely transformed with a new layout that includes an increased number of fully renovated and accessible restrooms and an updated box office. In addition, the renovation will feature the creation of a newly constructed bar/café, and a multipurpose community room with an adjacent outdoor patio will be built. Finally, the project will create a new artist suite and dressing rooms. Historic features such as original crown molding, fireplaces and wood floors will be preserved during the renovation.

New York State is supporting the renovation project with more than $6 million. OPRHP is providing $4 million, including exterior renovations to the Neo Georgian façade of the National Historic Landmark theater. Additionally, Empire State Development is providing a $2.2 million capital grant, awarded to SPAC through the Regional Council initiative. Stewart’s Shops/The Dake Family contributed $1 million, in addition to tremendous generosity from the SPAC board as well as other private donors and family foundations. 

The Spa Little Theater has hosted more than 100 year-round events and welcomed more than 35,000 guests since SPAC took over operations in 2022. The theater is expected to reopen in late 2026 to celebrate the conclusion of SPAC’s 60th anniversary season. To learn more about the project and SPAC’s Four Seasons Campaign, visit spac.org/four-seasons. 

OPRHP 

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 88 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom. 

Empire State Development 

Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X. 

Saratoga Performing Arts Center  

Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), located in the historic resort town of Saratoga Springs in upstate New York, is one of America’s most prestigious outdoor amphitheaters.?Its exquisite setting in a 2,400-acre park preserve surrounded by hiking trails, geysers, and natural mineral springs draws lovers of arts, culture and nature for performances by resident companies New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, the Saratoga Jazz Festival, and concerts by Live Nation. SPAC also hosts imaginative programming such as Caffè Lena @ SPAC and initiatives in culinary, literary, healing and visual arts.

SPAC is a 501c3 charitable organization. Donations and proceeds from fundraising events benefit the Center’s thriving education program, community outreach efforts, and the vibrancy of its programming. For more information visit spac.org.