They’re playing it by ear.
Performers from the Ridge Chorale and Jeff Samaha Theater Productions hope to make a base of operations at Bay Ridge Prep’s proposed 89th Street high school — the only hitch is that the local community board is not on board with the school’s plan, because members say the six-story building may not harmonize with the low-rise area.
The homeless chorale has hop-scotched across Bay Ridge from one space to another since 1968, but renting theater space can be costly, and Bay Ridge Prep has offered to lend the thespians the theater for a song, according to the director of the vocal local vocal group.
“I’m very excited for the possibility. The cost of theater is ridiculously expensive,” said Karen Tadross.
Theater space for rehearsals and productions can run the company more than $10,000, but Prep sees the group as an asset and plans to work out a deal with them if the city signs off on the school’s construction, a honcho there said.
“I think they’re providing a really valuable service to the community,” said Charles Fasano, one of the school’s two heads. “It’s not easy for places to just open their doors, but we have a relationship with them and want to help them achieve their vision.”
The theater group worked with Fasano to help design the proposed performance space, which would include an orchestra pit that can house up to 18 instruments and a “fly wall” that allows scenery to be air lifted to the stage and stored in a space above the theater.
Prep needs the city’s permission to build on 89th Street near Fifth Avenue, because the land is not zoned for a school. Community Board 10’s land use committee asked officials to scale back the designs on Sept. 6. The full board plans to vote on the matter on Oct. 17, but its ruling is only advisory — the city’s Board of Standards and Appeals ultimately decides if the school gets the zoning exception.
