The Tacoma Musical Playhouse has just announced the launch of the public phase of a $1.27 million capital campaign to renovate the theater. The 19-year-old community theater has already raised $1 million in grants and private donations.

Among the renovations planned are enlargement of the stage and backstage areas, the creation of an orchestra pit (currently musicians play under an overhang to the side), acoustic enhancements to the auditorium walls and moving the sound booth to audience level.

“These changes will allow us to grow our productions and programs, and greatly enhance the TMP patron’s theatergoing experience,” says Jon Douglas Rake, TMP’s managing artistic director and founder.

The largest community theater in the Northwest, TMP presents six fully-produced Broadway-style musicals per year with orchestral backing and award-winning choreography. It also offers classes, camps, workshops and productions through Tacoma Children’s Musical Theater. For more information on the campaign, call 253-565-5857 or visit tmp.org.