Historic Ephrata Cloister, 632 W. Main St., Ephrata, will host an open house at its newly revitalized amphitheater on Sunday, May 4, from 3 to 5 p.m. The event is free of charge and will provide an opportunity for the public to preview the venue prior to its official reopening later this year.

Guests are welcome to explore the amphitheater, peek inside the set buildings behind the stage, test the acoustics, and pose for photos in the glade. Inside the Visitor Center, displays will trace the evolution of the amphitheater and reflect on the history of the Vorspiel music drama.

Located on the grounds of Historic Ephrata Cloister, a National Historic Landmark and Pennsylvania Trails of History site, the amphitheater was originally constructed in 1963 by the Ephrata Cloister Associates, the nonprofit organization that supports the work of the museum. For nearly 30 years, the amphitheater was home to the Vorspiel, a historical drama featuring the 18th-century hymns composed by the Brothers and Sisters of Ephrata and performed by local actors, musicians, and the Ephrata Cloister Chorus. The production ran every summer Saturday until it closed in 1989. In the following years, the space hosted weddings and community events until it fell into disrepair and was completely closed in 2020.

In 2021, the Ephrata Cloister Associates launched a revitalization project, funded through private donations and local grants. Excavation began in August 2024, and major construction wrapped up in early winter.

The updated venue now features four terraces, including two paved levels for improved accessibility to the stage and seating areas. The amphitheater accommodates approximately 250 guests, with options to sit on stone walls, benches, or chairs and blankets.

While the core of the project is complete, minor renovations to the set buildings and surrounding landscaping will continue into the summer.

Donations are still being accepted. Gifts of set minimum amounts will be recognized in the Donor Book of Honor or on the Donor Wall of Honor located on the stage set buildings. During the open house, a draft of the Donor Book of Honor and a preliminary design of the Donor Wall of Honor will be on display in the Visitor Center.

For more information about the project, contact Suzanne Fisher at ephratacloister@gmail.com or through the website at https://ephratacloister.org/.

People with disabilities who need special assistance or accommodation should call in advance to discuss their needs. The Ephrata Cloister may be reached at 717-733-6600; Pennsylvania TDD relay service is available at 800-654-5984.