The Weston Playhouse, home to Vermont’s oldest operating theater company, remains recovering from flood damage sustained in 2023, and its primary theater on the Weston Village Green has not yet reopened.
Company officials say water crossed the street during the storm, inundating not only the theater’s stage and public areas but also offices and company-owned housing for performers and staff. One company-owned residence took significant damage and displaced five people, according to Weston Theater Company general manager Rebecca Marzalek-Kelly.
"I remember being woken up by our company manager. This was probably at 4:30 in the morning to tell me we did indeed take on water,"
Despite the damage and a temporary interruption to its schedule, the company quickly adapted by shifting shows to its smaller venue at Walker Farm. Staff say the alternate space has allowed the company to continue performing through the current season while they plan repairs and adjustments to the Playhouse building.
What’s changed and what’s planned
Officials describe a deliberate approach to rebuilding that includes rethinking the Playhouse basement and operations to reduce future flood risk. One immediate change under consideration is keeping the basement clear of critical infrastructure and storage, the company said.
Company leadership and community members say local volunteers rallied to support displaced company members and help with initial cleanup after the storm. The outpouring of assistance helped the theater resume operations quickly at its secondary venue.
- Primary theater (Weston Playhouse): closed; repairs ongoing.
- Secondary venue (Walker Farm): hosting performances during recovery.
- Company-owned housing: at least one home significantly damaged; five people displaced.
Officials have not provided a reopening date for the Playhouse. They stress that while the company is enjoying productions at Walker Farm this summer, they look forward to returning to the mainstage once repairs are complete and flood-mitigation steps are in place.
| Area | Status |
|---|---|
| Mainstage | Flood-damaged; not open |
| Walker Farm venue | Active; currently hosting shows |
| Basement/operations | Planned to be kept clear in future |
The experience in Weston reflects broader challenges across Vermont, where communities impacted by heavy July rains in recent years have faced prolonged recovery and rebuilding decisions. For residents and patrons, the immediate effects are practical: altered performance locations, a closed primary theater, and ongoing repair work in a town where the playhouse plays a central role in cultural life.
As repairs continue, the company emphasizes its connection to Weston and gratitude for local assistance that enabled a faster return to live performance, even if the mainstage remains out of service for now.
