In 2006, the Sampson Theatre received its largest single contribution to date in the form of an Empire State Development Agency grant for $127,000. The money, procured with the diligent help of 53rd District State Senator George Winner and Assemblyman Jim Bacalles of the 136th District, made possible the new roof on the Sampson that was installed in the summer of 2006. The Advisory Committee is currently seeking other funding for renovations, equipment, inventory and working capital with the assistance of a part-time grant writer.

Prospects for success of the Sampson are high given its location in the downtown Penn Yan business area. It is situated across the street from the Yates County Arts Council, Inc. and contiguous to an adjoining restaurant, both of which will add an important component to the future of this theater arts district.

Following the renovation of the theater building, the balance of the land lot (currently vacant) will be developed into an "Annex" providing gallery space, a community/conference center with offices, classrooms, rest rooms, elevator, meeting rooms, private dinning facilities, rehearsal rooms, pre – and  post-theater dining. These uses contemplate a future collaboration with the adjoining Wagner Restaurant for banquets and other commercial functions.

The Sampson will seat up to 500 people and one functioning balcony will provide  seating for an additional 100.

The Sampson Theatre and Annex will serve as the community’s cultural center for the theater and arts along with additional uses such as conferences, seminars, community forums and trade shows, all to compliment and benefit the community and Keuka College along with the growing Finger Lakes area as a prime tourist destination. The vision is to create a theater/conference facility which will become one of the area’s foremost venues providing a mid-sized theater/cultural center complex. It will be capable of hosting local, professional and PYTCO amateur productions, including theatre, concerts and dance, coupled with a myriad of activities beneficial to the community, such as corporate presentations, political forums, programs for the elderly, youth and the "abled" arts.