As Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) nears its 60th anniversary in 2026, the beloved Upstate arts institution is launching its largest fundraising effort yet. The newly announced $17.5 million “Four Seasons” capital campaign will fund major renovations of the historic Spa Little Theater, while also supporting SPAC’s expanded year-round programming and arts education initiatives.
Four Seasons Campaign
The campaign’s title, “Four Seasons,” reflects SPAC’s evolution from a summer-only venue to a place for cultural programming throughout the year. Since 2022, the organization has hosted more than 100 events and welcomed over 35,000 guests to the Spa Little Theater alone. This venue hasn’t seen a major upgrade since it was built in 1935.
“Launching our Four Seasons Campaign is an exciting next step that will bring us into the future, raising funds to completely renovate and restore Spa Little Theater for the first time in its 100-year history and supporting our year-round artistic and educational programming for years to come.”
SPAC CEO Elizabeth Sobol
Renovations
At the heart of the Four Seasons Campaign is a $12 million renovation of the Spa Little Theater, conducted in partnership with New York State Parks. Plans call for a fully redesigned layout and state-of-the-art upgrades. Environmentally friendly HVAC system, improved accessibility with expanded ADA seating, a brand-new stage floor, updated theater seating, and more.
The project will also overhaul the theater’s lobby and box office, adding more restrooms, a new cafe/bar area, a multipurpose community room with a patio, and upgraded dressing rooms for performers. Renovations will cover 17,125 square feet of interior and exterior space.
The transformation has already received major support. In addition to the $1 million lead gift from Stewart’s Shops/Dake Family, the campaign has secured a $2.2 million grant from Empire State Development and another $2 million from New York State through the most recent state budget. Additional funding is coming from SPAC board members, private donors, and family foundations.
Work begins in September 2025, and the theater is expected to reopen in late 2026 to align with SPAC’s 60th year.
Art Education
Since opening the SPAC School of the Arts in 2021 and restarting events at Spa Little Theater the following year, SPAC has significantly increased its community reach. Now serving over 50,000 students annually through its educational programs. In total, over half a million people visit SPAC each year.
“The renewal of the Spa Little Theater will energize the park with dynamic year-round educational, cultural, and tourism offerings for our visitors,” says OPRHP Saratoga-Capital Regional Director Alane Ball Chinian
To learn more or donate to the campaign, visit https://spac.org/four-seasons/ .
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