Geauga’s Iconic Theater Sets Stage for Renovations
Geauga Lyric Theater Guild has deep roots and a rich history within Geauga County.
Geauga Lyric Theater Guild has deep roots and a rich history within Geauga County.
“Wherever I go in the county — from Bainbridge to Huntsburg, and all points in between — I meet people of all ages who tell me of their connection to GLTG — as a child seeing their first movie, to their children being trained in the tech booth, to their fond memories of performing onstage or working backstage,” said Erika Hansen, Geauga Lyric Theater executive director. “I am continuously awed and humbled by how much of a touchstone this organization is in the community.”
The historic landmark and the county’s heart of entertainment will dim its stage lights on Chardon Square this summer for renovations, with the help of the City of Chardon.
The guild, in existence for 64 years, has a long-term lease for the facility, which is owned by the city.
The renovation proposal includes an estimated $200,000 in upgrades. Last August, Chardon City Council agreed to be the conduit for an Ohio Facilities Construction Commission economic development grant to cover the cost.
Hansen hosted an evening “Set the Stage” reception March 24 at the theater, highlighting the project.
Hansen said improvements are needed to bring the 1939 building up to basic standards for a venue of its type, which pre-dates changes in environmental health and safety regulations, energy conservation and Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
Many season ticket holders, like Middlefield Township’s Bill Blue and his wife, Karen, were excited to join other arts’ supporters at the reception.
“We love going to the theater,” Blue said. “There is almost a sense of being part of the performance. And it is very special when a friend or family member is in the play. There is a unique level of bonding between performers. And in a small theater that can include the audience, as well.”
Project renovations will benefit both theater patrons and GLTG. Hansen said last year GLTG had more than 15,000 patrons.
“In this age of instant media, it is refreshing to attend a live performance that is real and raw,” Blue added.
The total project scope includes a women’s restroom expansion; electrical assessment; upgrades and replacements; structural repairs and support for the main stage and proscenium; stage lighting and infrastructure improvements; attic air sealing and increased insulation; a musicians’ loft expansion and safety improvements; renovations and improvements to the sound booth and sound system, lobby, back of house; and ticket booth renovations; office and second floor dressing room improvements; exterior awning and signage; fees, storage, cleaning and contingency.
“This project will allow us to upgrade our infrastructure and improve our operations so we can continue to serve the community,” Hansen said. “We are enhancing the patron experience and our infrastructure so that this historic building will serve our growing needs and we can do our part to advance arts programming and spur economic development in the area.”
Newbury Township’s Nancy White, an avid-supporter of the arts, is thrilled about the new planned renovations.
“First of all, under Erika’s direction, every play gets better and better,” White said. “The quality of everything is very, very good. I’m excited about what they are going to do for improvements.”
Renovation objectives will benefit GLTG’s ability to present a larger variety of productions and arts events, and renovated spaces will allow for use for arts education and theater classes, as well as an expansion into computer graphics, video production, lighting, set design and sound engineering classes.
Hansen said the expansion will give the theater the ability to avoid “going dark,” which the stage currently does between productions to allow for set building to take place.
With more efficient future operations involving space, programming is expected to expand to include music performances, independent films and other entertainment offerings targeted to increase foot traffic and help to bring an increase economic impact the heart of Chardon.
“Karen and I are excited to be part of the GLTG family and the upcoming renovations will make it more enjoyable,” Blue said. “So, go to the GLTG website and pick a show to see this year. And while you are there, click donate and help them out if you can.”
Construction will kick-off after the Apollo’s Fire concert June 10.
“We will close for renovations — our summer workshops for students will be at Cardinal Middle School in Middlefield through a wonderful new partnership with the Middlefield Recreation Department — and re-open for ‘Legally Blonde,’ the first show of our upcoming ‘Season of Wonder’ in August,” Hansen said. “Any projects not completed during the summer will be scheduled throughout the fall with a projected completion date of Dec. 31, 2018.”
Season tickets for “A Season of Wonder” 2018-2019 are available by calling box office at 440-286-2255. Summer workshop registration is at www.geaugatheater.org or by calling business office at 440-285-7701.
