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In August, Concord Youth Theater Artistic Director Lisa Evans was beaming about the new permanent home the 43-year-old organization was planning to move to.

Come Saturday, Oct. 19, that new home will be open for business.

CYT has an opening celebration and dedication planned from 1–4 p.m. at 53 Church St. A brief ribbon-cutting and dedication program will include Evans, Kathryn DeFord, former director of CYT, Concord town officials and special guests.

“We are thrilled to continue our long-standing tradition of providing young people in Concord and surrounding communities with opportunities to explore, experience and engage in various aspects of the creative arts in our new home,” Evans said in a statement. “After many moves over the years, our new permanent and beautiful location will allow us to grow our student base, expand programming and reinforce the vital role that theater production and performing can play in the lives of students.”

Following the ceremony, building tours and light refreshments will be available to the public.

The process to get to the permanent home has been lengthy. After their landlord at the old Baker Avenue location did not extend the lease last year, CYT moved to Beharrell Street in February for a second time in its history.

When the old church building became available over a year ago, a purchase and sales agreement was signed by an unnamed benefactor who is giving residency to CYT. That was followed by numerous meetings with the town’s Planning and Zoning boards.

Renovations began about six months ago and included the installation of a sprinkler system, several new bathrooms that are handicapped accessible and an HVAC system. Wood rot and mold were also remedied and there has been an upgrade to the electrical system and plumbing.

Some of the highlights of the new CYT location include more than 8,000 square feet of space for classes and workshops, a 200-seat theater for rehearsals and performances, and state-of-the-art theater equipment and lighting.

“The most important thing for us is we want to do everything right,” Evans said in August. “We don’t want to come in and have to do it again.”

First performance

CYT opens the doors of its new home with "Godspell," a 1971 rock musical based on the book of Matthew from the New Testament.

Performances are Thursday, Oct. 24 through Saturday, Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 27 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased online at ticketstage.com/CYT. The show is suitable for ages 8 and older.