Salem theater group has new home

“We decided that really there’s never a good time to do it,’’ says executive director Gary LaParl. “Sometimes you just have to take that leap.’’

Now in its seventh season, the company has never had its own stage, often changing locations from one production to another. For its upcoming main-stage shows, it couldn’t even find a Salem venue; leaders had booked space for two shows in Marblehead and one in Lynn. “We said that’s just not going to cut it. We’re the Salem Theatre Company and we have to find space here,’’ LaParl says.

With high ceilings, new bathrooms, and other amenities, the new venue could also be used for readings, music performances, and collaborations with groups such as the Salem Film Fest, the company says. It should all add up to a much higher profile in the community. “We think with our own venue, it will really take off,’’ says LaParl.

They’re kicking off a $50,000 capital campaign to complete the project, purchasing their own lights and sound equipment. A fraction of that has already been quietly raised to allow them to start producing at 90 Lafayette now.

The company’s current Christmas shows are at the Salem Athenaeum, and a May production of “Hair!’’ will still go on at the Marblehead Little Theatre because of space considerations. But February’s “Loot’’ and April’s “Alphabetical Order’’ will be in the new space.

Tickets and information: www.salemtheatre.com