A brighter look at Proctors

Historic glow restored as new lights and fresh art breathe life back into Proctors iconic spaces

After more than 25 years, the lights surrounding the dome in the MainStage at Proctors are shining once again. In March, staff replaced the long-dark bulbs with new LED lights, bringing renewed brilliance to one of the theatre’s most striking architectural features.

The return of the dome lights marks the end of a decades-long challenge. Nearly 30 years ago, during the installation of a new air-conditioning system, the 180 bulbs surrounding the dome’s ring became inaccessible. Over time the bulbs burned out, leaving the feature dark for more than two decades.

Thanks to the ingenuity of Technical Director James Petersen, Stage Carpenter Marty Petersen, and Theatrical Technician Thomas Petersen, the problem was finally solved. The team successfully removed the old bulbs and installed new LEDs, restoring the glow of the historic dome and bringing a little more light back to Proctors.

According to Thomas Petersen, “Afterwards, lots of folks who had spent years working in the building were all blown away at the difference in brightness. I didn’t think much of it, since in all my time at Proctors, the dome lights had always been off. To me, it was little more than changing dusty lightbulbs. To others, it was a huge refresh to the already gorgeous interior.”

Patrons may also notice another recent addition while passing through Robb Alley. New murals — created with artwork from the theatre and the Collaborative School of the Arts — were installed this month, adding warmth and color to the hallway and celebrating the creativity that fills the venue every day.

Together, these updates highlight the care and creativity that continue to shape Proctors for the next 100 years and help ensure that the theatre remains as vibrant and welcoming as ever.