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n e w h a v e n b i z . c o m | A p r i l 2 0 2 2 | n e w h a v e n B I Z 19 Magnus College to share a downtown space. at project also failed to materialize. However, Padrón's efforts to make a closer connection with the city stalled with the pandemic-induced shutdown in March 2000. "e pandemic gave us this moment to reflect on the changes we were beginning to put into practice and figuring out what was working and what wasn't," said Ingui. With its lease up for renewal in June at the Food Terminal, the theater's leadership took the chance "to let go of some of what has been maybe holding us back from really leaning into the new vision of Long Wharf," said Ingui. Terminal relationship e cost of Long Wharf 's lease made a compelling argument for change, though Ingui emphasizes it was not the sole reason for the move. e annual lease was more than $200,000, "but with everything included, it costs more than $500,000 to operate the facility, and that's just the low estimate," she said. ough she said Food Terminal leadership has been supportive and generous, "the facility is old and was maintained at the level that a warehouse facility needs to be maintained. But that's not what we need to operate." If Long Wharf remained, she said fundraising would be necessary for capital needs for a complex it did not own and that was not easily accessible to a disenfranchised community it wanted to engage. Fran Lettiero, president of the New Haven Food Terminal, declined to comment on the theater's exit — or if another theater group could use the Long Wharf space in the future. Lettiero did say: "e theater has been a valued and cherished tenant and we wish them only great success in the future as an important component of the New Haven cultural community." Talks continue between the two parties on the scheduling beyond June to deal with the removal of Long Wharf 's physical operation, including two well-equipped professional stages (the 400-seat C. Newton Schenck III eatre and 199-seat Stage II). e space also includes new seats from the theater's multimillion-dollar renovation several years ago; property from its administrative, box office and rehearsal spaces; and decades worth of props, costumes and other stored materials. e theater is searching for storage options right now, including with partner organizations and other theaters, said Ingui. Money that would have been spent to remain at the Food Terminal will be reallocated to renting spaces — and now only on weeks when they are needed. Reactions mixed City government's response to Long Wharf 's planned transition has been positive. "We've worked with Long Wharf eatre on their strategic planning either on-site or to do something different," said New Haven Economic Development Administrator Michael Piscitelli. "e strategy they put together — to be a little bit more nimble and mobile around our community to get in our community like they did at Clinton Avenue Park last year — is a great forward-thinking strategy." "I believe this is a risk worth taking, not just for the community but from a sustainability perspective," said Adriane Jefferson, director of the city's arts, cultural and tourism office. "With new audiences there's potential for more funds to come in, but it will take a while to build up that base." Ingui acknowledged not all Long Wharf supporters are comfortable with the shi. "We acknowledge there are folks right now who are questioning their relationship with the theater and there are other folks who are inspired by this new direction," she said. "is is never about displacement. It's always about broader and more radical inclusion." She said for many decades Long Wharf — like many other theaters — was sustained by a handful of wealthy donors. "at's not the world we're in anymore and certainly not the world we want to live in," she said. "We have utter respect and gratitude to those donors but we want to be able to survive beyond that — and our old model had not proven that we can as we currently produce, so yes, it's been a long time coming." New Haven Biz Managing Editor Liese Klein contributed to this story. n PHOTO | CONTRIBUTED Jacob G. Padrón is Long Wharf Theatre's artistic director. Any bank can give you a decision. NOT ALL OF THEM replace red tape with decision makers who can give you an answer quickly. Our local teams have helped Connecticut businesses for more than 220 years, let us help you. Visit washtrust.com or call 800-475-2265 Member FDIC.

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