On an average year, the Wood Theater in Glens Falls hosts about 350 events and sells around 30,000 tickets.

Due to the pandemic, sales haven’t been nearly as successful. That is making it very challenging for Executive Director Emily Murphy and her team to keep operations going.

“We learned pretty quickly we were the first to close and the last to reopen,” Murphy said.

But that changed Friday as the Wood Theater was one of several arts and entertainment venues allowed to reopen at 33 percent capacity statewide.

Next week, Murphy will be applying for a grant through the Save Our Stages program, which she says is needed for the theater to reopen.

“We have to have cleaning supplies and PPE, and make sure our HVAC system is up to regulation,” Murphy said.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer came to Warren County Friday to promote the Save Our Stages program and the American Rescue Plan at the Wood Theater.

He says arts venues are a crucial part of the local economy.

“The sooner we can get these back on their feet and open, the better it will be,” Schumer said.

He says the $1.9 trillion package is providing $12.4 million for Warren County and $11.8 million for Washington County. About $15 billion dollars is available through the Save Our Stages program, which Murphy calls a glimmer of hope.

“We have incredible supporters, donors, sponsors that really showed up for us in an impossible time,” Murphy said.

She says they’re planning to welcome families back sometime this month with movies. From there, the goal is to host dances recitals, plays, and other events that will bring the community safely together once again.