WHY DO WE NEED A NEW STAGE AT THE STANLEY THEATRE?
Shows now have to load in using ropes to lower equipment and sets 13 feet from street level to the level of the stage below. This makes loading in and loading out very time consuming and therefore, expensive. The current stage is only half the size needed to attract many of today’s best traveling shows, and when we are able to bring one in, we often leave up to 30% of the sets and props in the truck because our stage won’t hold it all. Our dressing rooms are 75 years old and are not handicapped accessible or close to the stage. Hot running water is in short supply and there are only three rest rooms for casts of up to 200 people! Our electrical systems are no longer large enough nor modern enough to support the technology of today’s shows.

FROM WHAT SOURCES WILL THE MONEY BE RAISED?
We will seek gifts from both the public and the private sector. We have invested months with our planning counsel developing the timeline and the prospects for the early leadership gifts from individuals, foundations, corporations and various levels of government. As we move toward the grand reopening, we anticipate asking all members of the public to “buy in” with gifts at any level to help fund the overall project.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE NEW ARTS EDUCATION CENTER?
Many year-round, high quality performances now housed in schools will move to this
facility for their student and public performances. Visiting and local artists will interact with each other, as well as members of the community, in student matinees, master classes, discussions, workshops and residencies. Rehearsal space will finally be available, and to serve the entire community, the theater will house civic events, dinners, parties and dances. The Arts in Education summer session will finally be able to be held inside the Stanley.

WHAT IS A BLACK BOX THEATER?
It is a multi-purpose room with moveable risers, chairs, staging equipment and at least 24-foot ceilings. They lend themselves to experimental theater, small musical performances, children’s shows, parties, receptions and dinners. These theaters can be changed quickly and efficiently from one type of event to another.

WHAT IS THE CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS SCHEDULE?
The building southwest of the theater was purchased and demolished in the spring of 2004 as the building plans neared completion. Ground was broken July 27, 2006 and
construction begun south of the Stanley. Construction is on schedule. The current Stanley stagehouse will be demolished in the spring of 2007 and the new stage will be ready for use by fall of that year.

WILL THE EXPANSION CHANGE THE HISTORIC BEAUTY OF THIS
MAGNIFICENT BUILDING?
No! The facade will actually be renovated, cleaned and completely restored as part of this expansion project, returning the Stanley to its original grandeur. New construction will compliment the original building’s architectural style.