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Wedding couples can now take the same stage graced by Matt & Kim, Steve Aoki, Rusted Root and the Avett Brothers.

This May, the Westcott Theater will undergo a transformation to host weddings, showers and corporate parties for 50 to 250 people.

Westcott owner Dan Mastronardi wanted to give couples an alternative to established wedding banquet halls and event venues.

"The wedding experience has evolved since our parents got married," Mastronardi said. "People want a more laid-back atmosphere, more of a party atmosphere and we can offer that."

Mastronardi wants to host weddings in June, July and August during the Westcott's slower season (when many concerts take place outside).

Tonight, the Westcott will host an open house from 6 to 9 p.m. with free food and drinks for couples. They will stage a wedding celebration so attendees can see what the venue will look like in the summer months.

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DJs, florists, photo/video representatives and decor vendors will also be available to meet.

A platform has been installed to extend the stage to take up half the theater. On the ground, a 24-by-24 dance floor fills up the back of the venue.

And, of course, the venue will boast a thumping sound system which Westcott concertgoers know well.

The theater has hosted weddings before but the sloped concert floor has always posed a problem.

"We brought in temporary scaffolding to level the stage, and we're redecorating everything," Mastronardi said. "It's a red carpet treatment. It looks amazing. The lighting is awesome."

The theater will offer custom-designed wedding sets, tablescapes, onstage lighting, food and drinks at the theater's two bars.

Couples can have their names lit up under the historic marquee. Mastronardi said party hosts can also pick any caterer they want, though the Westcott's preferred caterer is Diamond Catering.

"Most venues require you to use their menu, but we're giving carte blanche to the couples," he said.

Ricky Monroe, manager of the Westcott Theater, said it took about two days to install the changes. (The platform will be torn down in time for Twiddle to take the stage on Saturday.)

The Westcott will still host concerts in the summer, and the regular schedule will resume in the fall. The theater was built in 1919 and has hosted everything from concert and movies to vaudeville acts and "Doctor Who" classes.

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