The Picture House, which has been a continuously-running film theatre since 1921, was saved from demolition in the early 2000s with the help of a major community fundraising campaign by Pelham Picture House Preservation.

Through two capital campaigns and through the economic downturn, the building project survived, and the space is now home to a beautifully restored film theatre that preserves the architectural character of the original room with its beams and pitched roof. The renovation also included the addition of a media classroom, which can be used for rentals or as a lobby extension. The stage plays host to a discussion series called An Evening With… which invites audience members to participate in conversation with artists and critics about films selected for the series. With the newly-renovated space, the Picture House is fulfilling its mission to become a regional independent film and education hub for Pelham, New York, and its surrounding communities.

The addition to the performing arts facilities at a prestigious New England preparatory school provides both expanded and renovated space to house an impressive and active drama program competitive with that of many colleges and universities.

To accommodate an expanded program, the existing auditorium was completely redesigned and rebuilt as a 400 – 450 seat theatre with a variable form suitable for drama and dance. FDA designed the new stage to work in proscenium, thrust, or arena formats. The newer addition – roughly two-thirds the size of the original building – houses a scene shop, dressing rooms, and a 150-seat studio theatre which is extensively used by the drama and dance departments for experimental productions.