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Theatre Development Fund’s (TDF) Costume Collection, which is one of the largest theatrical costume rental houses in the country, is moving its 75,000-piece costume collection to the landmarked Kaufman Astoria Studios (KAS).  The organization, which provides professionally designed theatrical costumes primarily to not-for-profit theatre companies, as well as film and television productions, worked with Denham Wolf Real Estate to find the new space. 

Theatre Development Fund’s Costume Collection houses costumes and accessories contributed by Broadway and Off Broadway productions, opera companies, and television and feature film productions. In 2010 alone, 949 productions were mounted by 466 organizations in 33 states with costumes from TDF’s Costume Collection. Costume designers can dress all or part of an entire production from costumes worn in classic Broadway shows or operas performed at the Metropolitan Opera. When productions close, costumes are often donated to the organization.  Recent donations to the TDF Costume Collection have been from the Broadway productions of American Idiot and West Side Story, and the film, Men in Black III. The Collection provides costumes to a wide range of clients from not-for-profit organizations such as theatre companies, schools, community groups, church groups as well as feature films and television productions.

Kaufman Astoria Studios is a growing cultural campus with seven studios including a 26,000 square-foot stage in the original, landmarked building, the new state-of-the-art Stage K, KAS Music & Sound, K/A/S Lighting as well as the Museum of the Moving Image, Frank Sinatra School of the Arts and national restaurants and retailers. In recent years, it has been home to movie and television productions such as Nurse Jackie, Eat, Pray, Love, Whatever Works, The Smurfs Movie, Men in Black III and is the long-time home of children’s favorite Sesame Street.

“We’re thrilled to be moving to the Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens,” said Victoria Bailey, TDF’s executive director.  “With all of the activity at KAS, we will forge many new relationships while continuing to be easily accessible, both in person and online, to our many existing customers.”

“It was important to find an affordable and accessible location that positioned the Costume Collection to serve their mission in an economically sustainable way. Given all of the activity at Kaufman Astoria Studios, this new home will expand the organization’s impact and strengthen TDF’s ability to nurture the not-for-profit theatre community,” said Paul Wolf of Denham Wolf. “We are excited to help bring these two iconic New York institutions together and to help support the Costume Collection to continue its mission.”

“We are excited to have Theatre Development Fund’s Costume Collection move into the Kaufman Astoria Studios campus,” said Hal Rosenbluth, president of Kaufman Astoria Studios.  “Housing a 75,000-piece collection in the studio gives the organization a presence in a campus bustling with creativity, top productions and theater companies. We look forward to helping TDF grow its business at KAS and develop new relationships with production companies, producers and costume designers that come to Astoria to produce feature films and television shows.”

Paul Wolf and Stephen Powers of Denham Wolf Real Estate Services, Inc represented the Theatre Development Fund Costume Collection in the transaction with Susanne Kandel of Paul Weiss while Thomas Kearns of Olshan Grundman Frome Rosenweig & Wolosky law firm represented Kaufman Astoria Studios. Denham Wolf is now also serving as project manager for the renovation of the space, under the direction of Jonathan Denham and Ronzard Innocent. TDF signed a 20-year, 16,380 square-foot lease at KAS.

About Kaufman Astoria Studios
Kaufman Astoria Studios (KAS), founded in 1920, is one of the largest film and television production centers on the East Coast. KAS features six studios including a 26,040 square-foot stage, KAS Music & Sound and K/A/S Lighting all under one roof.  KAS offers the expertise, equipment and environment to create first-class productions. The studio has hosted numerous productions such as the Showtime hit Nurse Jackie, The Taking of Pelham 123, and upcoming movies The Smurfs and Men in Black III. Long-time children’s favorite Sesame Street has called KAS home since 1992. Celebrating its 90th Anniversary, the studio opened its newest stage, the 40,000 square-foot Stage K, in 2010. For the latest news follow KAS on Twitter @KaufmanAstoria. www.kaufmanastoria.com

About Denham Wolf Real Estate Services, Inc.
Denham Wolf Real Estate Services, Inc. is a real estate brokerage, consulting and development firm specializing in real estate services for nonprofit organizations.  Since 1998, Denham Wolf has completed hundreds of projects, encompassing the planning, acquisition and building of millions of square feet of space.  The experienced Denham Wolf team helps nonprofit clients navigate complex real estate markets and capture development opportunities. Visit Denham Wolf's website to see how the company's services support, protect and bolster organizations. www.denhamwolf.com | 212.736.6777

About Theatre Development Fund
Theatre Development Fund (TDF) has played a unique role in strengthening live theatre and dance in New York City for the past 43 years. This not-for-profit service organization’s programs have provided over 80 million people access to the theatre at discount prices (with theatre lovers who would normally not be able to attend live performance) and returned over 2 billion dollars in revenue to thousands of theatre, dance and music productions. Best known for its TKTS Discount Booths, TDF’s membership, outreach, access and education programs, as well as its Costume Collection, help to make the unique experience of theatre available to everyone. Recently, TDF launched the Official TKTS app and published its first book, Outrageous Fortune: The Life and Times of the New American Play. To learn more about TDF, go to: www.tdf.org.