Hanna Theatre was redesigned in 2008 to provide a more intimate theatre experience and to be the new home of the Great Lakes Theater (GLT). GLT is known for its long-standing Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival where actor Tom Hanks began his career as a performer in 1977. Tom Hanks was instrumental in raising the remaining funds for that renovation.

The water damaged ornate ceilings were restored back to their original condition. A new color scheme was designed to blend the new construction elements with the old historic elements. Painting, gilding, and glazing were used to accent the original decorative plaster elements.