After sitting dark for years, the longtime theater on South Greenwood Avenue in Hopewell Borough is preparing for a second act.
The Hopewell Valley Arts Council will take over the lease of the former Hopewell Theater and relaunch it as Hopewell Valley Stage, marking a significant expansion for the regional arts organization and a potential boost for the borough’s downtown.
“We’re leasing it for two years with the hope of making a go of it,” said Carol Lipson, executive director of the arts council. “We have the right of first refusal to extend, but we have to prove we can make it work.”
The move represents a shift for the arts council. Founded as an all-volunteer organization, it has built its reputation through community programming, artist advocacy, and signature events like the annual Amazing Pumpkin Carve and Tour des Arts.
“We’re honored to breathe new life into this iconic space,” Lipson said. “Theater, music, art, and a place to gather aren’t luxuries—they’re vital to a thriving, connected community. This reopening restores a space for people from across Hopewell Valley to come together to be moved and inspired.”
Now, with a flexible-seat venue capable of hosting concerts, talks, films, and performances, the organization is stepping into a more ambitious role — not just supporting the arts, but presenting them.
A new chapter for a familiar space
The building at 5 S. Greenwood Ave. has long been a fixture in Hopewell, but in recent years it has remained largely unused — a frustration for many in the community.
“I have so many people walk by and say, ‘Isn’t it a sin that this place is just sitting here empty?’” Lipson said.
The reopening aims to change that, bringing a steady schedule of programming and drawing visitors back into town.
Hopewell Valley Stage will host live music, theater, film screenings, workshops, and community talks, while also serving as the administrative home for the arts council.
Beyond the cultural impact, organizers are also looking at the economic ripple effect.
“Live events bring people to our towns,” Lipson said. “Every concert, film, or workshop draws new energy to our restaurants and small businesses.”
Lipson said the goal is to make the venue a regional draw, not just a borough-based one — a key reason for the rebrand.
“We’re changing the name from Hopewell Theater to Hopewell Valley Stage,” she said. “It’s not just Hopewell Borough — we want to reflect the whole Valley.”
Soft launch, long-term vision
The theater will begin with a “soft opening” phase, allowing organizers to test programming and build an audience before scaling up.
Initial events include concerts, a community showcase for emerging performers, and larger ensemble acts, with plans to host something nearly every weekend as the year continues.
An open house is scheduled for April 18, from 3-6 p.m. offering tours, live music, and a first look at the reimagined space.
The venue will also be available for rentals and offered at reduced rates for nonprofit use during the week, a move aimed at expanding access and keeping the space active.
“We don’t purport to have everything worked out,” Lipson said. “We’re trying to do it thoughtfully and figure out what the community wants.”
The model, she said, will focus on professional performances accessible to the community — a distinction from traditional community theater.
“This is going to be a professional theater for the community,” she said.
Balancing ambition and sustainability
The project is supported in part by a foundational grant from the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation, but its long-term success will depend on attendance, donations, and additional fundraising.
Staffing is also evolving. The arts council has hired a theater manager, Maeli Goren-Wilson, and plans to expand staffing gradually as operations grow.
For now, the organization is relying on a mix of contractors and volunteers — particularly for front-of-house roles like ushers — while maintaining paid positions for technical and operations staff.
“We want to keep the space as busy as possible,” Lipson said, noting plans for regular programming and expanded offerings for families, musicians, and local artists.
A community bet
For Lipson and the arts council, the project is both a cultural investment and a test of community support.
“A lot of people say they love the theater and it’s terrible that it’s closed,” she said. “For this to work, we need people to come.”
What’s next
As the theater prepares for the open house on the 18th, the Hopewell Borough Council is expected to consider a proposed theater liquor license at its Monday, April 6 meeting, which organizers say could provide an additional revenue stream to support operations.
A 2025 state law expanded eligibility for these licenses beyond art-house movie theaters to include live performance venues such as concerts, plays, and other cultural events. The legislation also allows municipalities to issue these licenses without counting them against local liquor license caps — a significant change in a state where licenses are typically limited and expensive.
