Raising the curtain on a new stage 1996

THAYER

Posted By: Mistina Christner (email)
Date: 7/26/2018 at 11:54:44

Source: Community News Advertiser 9/18/1996

Raising the Curtain on a New Stage
ICCT plans for a new facility
By Linda Schreiber

While the curtain is going up on another season, Iowa City Community Theatre cast members are back stage planning for the future. Those plans include a building program.
ICCT President Diana Thayer says, during the summer members have discussed a proposal for a permanent theater, interior design and funding. "A half dozen focus groups have explored a variety of options and discussed what might work best for us."
The ICCT membership will meet Wednesday, Sept. 25, at 7:30 p.m. at the fairgrounds to continue discussion on the project. "We will present all the information that we have and ask the membership if they want to continue," says Thayer.
For many years the ICCT has used the Exhibition Hall at the Johnson County Fairgrounds for its theater productions. Each summer the production company has to relocate during the July fair. The Fair Board has offered ICCT land on the north end of the parking lot to build a permanent structure.
"If we had to purchase the land the project would be out of our reach," says Thayer. "It's a wonderful location and we will sill have to a large extent the same arrangement with the Fair Board that we do now.
The theater company doesn't have to worry about parking, snow removal or grounds maintenance.
Thayer says "One of the requirements is all buildings in this area have to have some usage during the fair."
Early discussions have indicated that fair officials will us the permanent area for educational presentations requiring a stage. "We will not have to take anything out as we have to do right now," Thayer adds
She says the focus groups and subcommittees have discussed floor plans and fund raising. The interior design plans, though sketchy, incorporates needs and wants with a design that is feasible and workable for us, adds Thayer. The design accommodates acoustic needs and incorporates space for lighting.
"What I have envisioned this facility being is something a little bit bigger and a little bit nicer than what we have right now," Thayer says.
She anticipates one major fund raising campaign to raise funds for the project and supplementing with smaller projects throughout the year. The company will also explore grants and corporate sponsorship to meet its goals needs.
"Once we boil it down to what we feel is best for us, we need to get back to the Fair Board and say 'This is what we have come up with. Is this agreeable to you?'" says Thayer.
"In a perfect world it would be wonderful to do a ground breaking a year from now," says Thayer. "I think that may be a little ambitious for us, but you've got to start someplace."
"I think the thing that I find most exciting right now is the project is still progressing," says Thayer. "We have not reached any insurmountable road blocks and I think people are still excited about the prospect.