Center Stage artistic director Kwame Kwei-Armah unveils details surrounding the theater's $32M renovation.

Mount Vernon theater company Center Stage will begin a massive $32M renovation and expansion in January that will include a larger lobby and a new 99-seat theater that will feature emerging playwrights and family programs. "It will allow the next generation of theater makers to feel that they really have a foothold in this theater," Center Stage artistic director Kwame Kwei-Armah said at the recent announcement.

The Calvert Street theater will close in January and hold its remaining performances this season at Towson University, the Baltimore Business Journal reports. One of the theater's stages will be ready for use in the fall. The renovated lobby will include a two-story atrium and bar. The theater has raised $21.5M so far. [BBJ]