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Council clears lease authorization to bring Community Theater of Cabot into city annex
Summary
The Cabot City Council voted to authorize a lease agreement to let the Community Theater of Cabot use the annex courtroom and adjacent offices to expand productions and a youth academy; the theater expects about 100–110 seats and estimates 600+ attendees across a production run.
The Cabot City Council on Jan. 12 approved a resolution to authorize a lease with the Community Theater of Cabot (CTC) to occupy the left side of the city annex (the former courtroom) and use adjoining rooms for classes and rehearsals.
Danna Carpenter, president of CTC's board of directors, outlined the nonprofit’s nearly 20‑year history, said CTC has produced more than 40 shows, and described plans to expand educational programming for children roughly ages 6–14. Carpenter told the council that current season runs draw about 600 people in total across multiple performances and that a permanent annex location would let the group offer free or low‑cost community arts programs.
Carpenter said the proposed conversion would seat roughly 100–110 audience members in the courtroom‑turned‑theater and use office space for classroom instruction. The mayor and staff said the annex location would anchor the downtown arts district and that the city is working to add about 10 parking spaces adjacent to the annex as part of other right‑of‑way work.
Councilors asked about conflicts of interest and appearances; Carpenter said board members would invite and encourage council participation but that civic leaders would be treated like any other volunteer. The council moved the lease authorization to full council and later adopted Resolution No. 4 of 2026 by roll call.
Why it matters: City leaders framed the lease as a downtown economic and cultural investment expected to bring audiences to restaurants and retail, expand arts education for younger students, and fill a downtown space that has been underused.
Quotes: "With a permanent home, we could expand productions and education while also offering free and low‑cost community programs," Danna Carpenter said.
Votes and next steps: The council voted to adopt the authorization (Resolution No. 4 of 2026); the formal lease will proceed to the next council meeting for final execution and any additional review.
Ending: With the authorization in place, staff and CTC will continue lease negotiations and plan next steps for seating, theater conversion and parking adjustments.
