In the fall of 2012, in order to expand its presence in the Rochester Arts Community, RAPA CEO Jim Vollertsen began negotiations with the Eastman Kodak Company for the use of its Theater on the Ridge. This hidden gem of Rochester was built in 1959 and over the years was primarily used for Kodak employee events. The 1,964 seat main theater has the largest stage in Rochester, and is the most complete and finest performing arts building in Western New York. In addition to the main theater, the building houses 2 other theaters, over 20 large conference rooms, a 1,100 seat restaurant, a 400 seat restaurant, and a gymnasium that seats 950, which provides over 13,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space.
Occasionally Kodak would allow recognized non-for profits to rent the facility, but this practice ended several years ago when Kodak spent over 6 million dollars on renovations and new seats. RAPA was one of the organizations that was permitted to use the facility in the late 1990’s.
In June of 2013 RAPA was awarded a long term lease, which includes 1,400 adjacent parking spaces. The facility was re-named the Kodak Center for Performing Arts.In the fall of 2012, in order to expand its presence in the Rochester Arts Community, RAPA CEO Jim Vollertsen began negotiations with the Eastman Kodak Company for the use of its Theater on the Ridge. This hidden gem of Rochester was built in 1959 and over the years was primarily used for Kodak employee events. The 1,964 seat main theater has the largest stage in Rochester, and is the most complete and finest performing arts building in Western New York. In addition to the main theater, the building houses 2 other theaters, over 20 large conference rooms, a 1,100 seat restaurant, a 400 seat restaurant, and a gymnasium that seats 950, which provides over 13,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space.
