Actors who are part of GevaTheatre productions will soon have a new place to stay while their shows are going on. The owner and developers of the nearby Woodbury Place building will be leasing eleven studio lofts to Geva for the visiting actors.
As part of a collective bargaining agreement, Geva must provide its actors with housing while they are in residence for the nine weeks of rehearsals and performances. Previously, the actors would be housed at an apartment complex in Gates. But Geva executive director Tom Parrish says this is a lot more convenient.
He also says having a nice play to stay is important if Geva wants to attract top talent.
"Quality housing is really important to actors, they're in residence here in Rochester for 9 weeks during rehearsals and performances here. First class artists really deserve and expect first class housing.”
The Woodbury Place property used to house Merkel Donahue, an office interior company. That firm has since relocated to University Avenue.
Altogether, Woodbury Place consists of five buildings and they are being turned into apartments along with commercial space.
