Archbishop Riordan High School’s Lindland Theatre has been transformed, blending its 1949 charm with modern updates that have already won over students and staff. After receiving a grant in April, the school moved quickly to select fabrics, finishes, and other upgrades to refresh the beloved space.
Theater director Greg Callaghan stated, “Our biggest goal was to make the theater look fresh and cohesive to maintain the classic elements from 1948 while adding 2025 comfort.”
New seats and carpeting were added over the summer.
Among the particular updates, the new desks for the first three rows made it much easier for students to take notes and get work done.
Isabel Fonseca ’27 stated, “My first reaction was shock. I was amazed at how great the theater looks.”
She added, “Compared to the old space, this one feels more inviting and better kept. It polished up an already beautiful space.”
The updates address several problems arose over the past few years. Some of the original seats didn’t spring back after use, the carpet hasn’t been replaced since 2003 and the 2019 lobby has fallen out of step with the style.
Now the deep red carpet in the lobby ties the entrance to the theater’s rich interior, and the new seats are wired for aisle lighting, which is both comfortable and stylish. The lobby also features brand new furniture, including modern seating areas that encourage students and visitors to gather around before the shows. The new accent rugs add texture and color to the space, creating a more welcoming environment.
The revitalized lobby includes new furniture and fresh paint.
Gisella Bellarosa ’27 shared how “I love performing in Lindland Theater. I’m always excited because I’m performing with my friends and the fact that the theater was redone hopefully means more people will come to see the shows this year.”
Beyond the appearance, the renovation has strengthened the community spirit. “The new theater has brought together the community because we all have positive reactions to it and have bonded by our communal joy over the new additions and upgrades to the space,” Fonseca said.
At first glance, the refreshed theater may look much like the original with its classic red seats and a familiar layout, but the subtle upgrades from desks to lighting to the cohesive new lobby have elevated the entire experience for students, performers and the audience.
