The Legacy Theatre will break ground on the restoration of the historic Stony Creek Puppet House/Stony Creek Theatre on Thursday, June 6 at 10 a.m., 128 Thimble Island Road, Branford. All are welcome, and there will be a short ceremony and refreshments.

This historic building was once the theatrical home for Orson Welles and his famed Mercury Players, after its turn as a silent picture house and before being a unique and cherished performance space for Italian Puppet Theater. Once completely restored, the state-of-the art, accessible performance center will provide seating for 127.

Since 2011, the Legacy Theatre has borrowed spaces for its more than 50 theatrical productions, numerous classes, workshops, in-school programs, and acting workshops. For the 2018-’19 season, the Legacy Theatre has been performing at the Stony Creek Museum.

Once open, the Legacy will offer seasons of professional theater and classes. The latest Legacy innovation is a pilot project, Wheel Life Theatre Troupe, for those who ambulate with wheels or crutches; the troupe will perform next month at the International Festival of Arts and Ideas at 5:20 p.m. on Sunday, June 9 on the New Haven Green.

The professional arm of the company is rehearsing for its free, outdoor production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream on the Branford Green, Tuesday through Saturday, July 2 to July 6..

In addition to individual, foundation, and corporate donations, the theater’s $4.2 million capital campaign is supported by the Connecticut Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program as administered by the State Historic Preservation Office. With $1.7 million left to raise, naming opportunities are still available for those who wish to put a lasting mark on their support of the revitalization of this intimate shoreline theater. Those who are interested can email info@LegacyTheatreCT.org for naming information.

More information is available at www.LegacyTheatreCT.org.