Capitol Hill, get to know your artful new neighbor at grand opening of STG at Kerry Hall

(Image: STG at Kerry Hall)

By Domenic Strazzabosco

A year after the $6 million deal to add the historic Capitol Hill performance space to the family of Seattle venues including the Paramount, the Moore, and the Neptune, STG at Kerry Hall is holding a grand opening party this weekend.

The free Saturday, November 15th event will celebrate the Seattle Theater Group’s new addition. It’s an excellent opportunity for neighbors to stop through to see how the new life for the diverse, artistic space is taking shape.

“Kerry Hall is starting to come to life,” said Marisol Sanchez Best, STG’s Director of Education & Community Engagement. “Now, the big job is to let everyone know the building is available for them to come and utilize it as a creative space.”

STG put the E Roy just off northern Broadway building and studios into motion almost immediately after purchasing the 104-year-old property as Cornish College of the Arts severed its final ties to the neighborhood.

The move preserved the historic building Nellie Cornish once called home for a new generation of Seattle artists while giving STG a home for rehearsals and its educational programs as well as opportunities for smaller performance spaces.

STG’s success in Kerry Hall could be a hopeful good sign for another historic Capitol Hill venue. CHS reported here on Seattle Central’s search for new partners to put E Pine’s Egyptian Theater back in the movie business after SIFF’s exit from Capitol Hill.

Saturday at Kerry Hall, after a ribbon-cutting to kick off the event, attendees will be welcomed to walk through the historic building and observe or participate in the many activities and workshops planned while also enjoying a slate of performances. There will be a food truck as well.

(Images: Hailey Helbe/STG)

Throughout 2025, STG has been sprucing up the building with new paint and fresh carpet. They’ve also started a room rental system for anyone looking for space. The hope is that the open house will bring neighbors into the storied building and encourage them to take advantage of the calendar of diverse programming and the artistry the space can inspire.

Rental rates for rooms are fairly affordable, a mission for the organization. For example, dance studios range from just $25 to $35 an hour, though for non-profits it’s even lower, and the website notes: “Hourly prices listed below, but please note we are not in the business of turning people away.” You can find more information on room rentals and pricing here.

STG is also hosting a diverse roster of programs in Kerry Hall. Some are new, while others have found a more consistent operating space in the new to STG venue. You can find weekly Dance for Parkinson’s Disease classes and the Broadway Inclusion Program for people who are neurodivergent and disabled that explores musical theater and movement activities with themes based on the current STG Broadway season. Dance classes are available in a variety of genres, like samba, Brazilian roots and ballet. There’s a recurring yoga class taught in Spanish, monthly music clinics focusing on vocal lessons and introductory acting classes as well.

Now that Kerry Hall is fixed up and programs are running, Best described STG’s focus as working to make the space more accessible to those hoping to use it, bringing in more people doing residency and expanding the Storyteller program, part of The Community Series, which focuses on social justice.

(Images: Hailey Helbe/STG)

STG is now also focused on bringing the intimate 197-seat auditorium on the building’s ground floor to life. Upcoming ideas include a free summer series or matinee performances for nearby schools

After Saturday’s ribbon-cutting, guests can participate in workshops, including piñata or puppet making, or drop in for music classes on guitar, bass, drumming and songwriting. Dance classes will also be happening, covering hip-hop, adult ballet, the basics of samba and others.

A slate of performances is also being coordinated including STG’s ELEVATE spoken word program. Guests will also be able to enjoy alumni of the More Music @ The Moore program, like middle school violinist Amrutha Achalla and the band Rose Peak.

“I want to meet our neighbors, I want to know what they want to see on the stage. I want to know what we can do to bring everyone out to enjoy the art,” Best said.

Kerry Hall’s grand opening party is Saturday, November 15 from 11 AM to 4 PM at 710 E Roy. Admission is free but your RSVP is appreciated. Learn more at stgpresents.org.

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