Apollo presents expansion of the Victoria Theater in Harlem

The Apollo Theater in Harlem continued to have a good time Black history and its ninetieth anniversary with the grand opening of the Apollo Stages at the Victoria Theater – marking the first-ever physical expansion of the monument, intended to supply a variety of recent opportunities for Black artists and creators.

As a mainstay of the famous one hundred and twenty fifth Street – the very heart and soul of Harlem – the Apollo Theater has often been at the epicenter of significant moments in black culture. With the addition of two theaters just doors away from the iconic venue, The Apollo is poised to usher in a “new era,” said President and CEO Michelle Ebanks during a March 7 event.

“We are excited to strengthen our support of artists and organizations in Harlem and across New York City while expanding our mission to amplify Black voices and create opportunities for the next generation of creators of color,” Ebanks added, with many noting that this major undertaking took almost twenty years to finish.

Part of the celebration included a special sign lighting ceremony, which included an appearance by New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who signaled his support for Apollo, which has grow to be a mecca for Black AI.

Nia Drummond – an acclaimed singer who gained immense popularity after a rendition of “Happy Birthday” that brought Busta Rhymes to tears – opened the ceremony with a strong performance that shook the entire theater to its core. Four-time Grammy-nominated vibraphonist Stefon Harris followed suit and brought the party to life along with his own performance.

Outside on one hundred and twenty fifth Street, the Marching Cobras provided a performance for tourists and locals as they made their way down the busy street.

Designed by renowned architect Thomas W. Lamb in 1917, Lowe’s Victoria Theater opened in 1918 as a vaudeville house before closing in the early twentieth century. Visitors walking inside can still see many of the theater’s historic features: the original terracotta façade, which showcases the vibrant lights of the Victoria Theatre; the intricate grand staircase in the lobby shared by the Marriott Renaissance Hotel and the recent Apollo site; and detailed tile floors and a marquee were still incorporated into the site design.

Laura and Frank Baker Apollo’s Gallery greeted guests before they made their technique to the third and fourth floors, where most of the facilities are situated.

Theater One seats 199 guests in 4,125 square feet. The black box theater features retractable seating and versatile staging, making it a perfect setting for programs and performances.

The Janelle Procope Theater – named for a former Apollo president who served in the role for twenty years – is barely smaller (only 99 seats) and serves the needs of educational programs, offering features akin to mesh safety nets for networking.

In addition to the two theaters, the facilities also include recent office space that could be utilized by Apollo employees, collaborating artists and visiting artists.

“The Apollo Stages at The Victoria Theater was a major undertaking that spanned two generations of leadership,” said Charles E. Phillips, chairman of the board of directors of The Apollo.

“Planned by former Apollo President Jonelle Procope and brought to life by Michelle Ebanks, this new space empowers and re-introduces Apollo as a paradigm of Black creativity to a new generation.”

Apollo Stages at The Victoria Theater is scheduled to open in summer 2024. You can check the Apollo schedule Here.