The Byrd Theatre Foundation receives major donation to replace seats

The Byrd Theatre Foundation and Jeff Trice, Principal of the Insurance Doctor, have had a long-lasting relationship from patron to committee member.

This month, Trice and the Insurance Doctor presented The Byrd Theatre Foundation with a gift of a $20,000 donation toward the Theatre’s campaign to replace their historic seats.

Trice has been a loyal patron of The Byrd Theatre since he saw his first film there as a child. His commitment to support The Byrd is reflected in his recent joining of its Development Committee as a community member.

The Byrd Theatre has been a cornerstone of Richmond’s cultural life since its opening in 1928, offering generations of moviegoers a unique cinematic experience. Over the years, their auditorium seats have worn down from countless film screenings and events and now require urgent attention.

The Byrd Theatre Foundation has launched the Pull Up a Seat campaign to fund replacement seats in the side sections of the auditorium and the balcony, removing the old, narrow seats and installing new, wider seats. This project will include the construction of two additional ADA-accessible platforms for expanded accessibility and companion seating. Along with these critical improvements, the original 1928 aisle end standards will be meticulously restored as one of the many historic details of The Byrd.

In 2017, The Byrd Theatre Foundation began work on this project by replacing the center section of seats due to the generous support of their donor community. Now, the Pull Up a Seat campaign will allow The Byrd to complete the replacement of the auditorium and balcony seating.

The projected fundraising goal for this multi-faceted seat project is $660,000, with the work being completed in early 2025. The Byrd Theatre is excited to have strong momentum toward achieving this goal thanks to their loyal patrons, including the Insurance Doctor.

To support The Byrd and leave a mark on the historic theatre, learn more and donate today by visiting www.byrdtheatre.org/support. Donations like these will help upgrade the auditorium and balcony seating.