Sutter Theater on display
Summer strollers will get the chance to take a peek at the Sutter Theater, which is currently in phase three of its renovation.
Terri Tomlinson, chairperson for the Sutter Performing Arts Association, said they are trying to get the black box theater together so it can be open for limited engagements. A challenge the theater is currently facing: the “terribly expensive” fire protection system.
“We can’t open up for anything until that is installed,” Tomlinson said Friday. “That alone is almost $200,000.”
All the demolition work in the front has been completed, she said, and work is currently being done on plumbing for the new restrooms and cafe.
The next six months will be a matter of fundraising she said, tickets for the association’s major fundraiser going on sale in July. The project includes renovating the lobby and bathroom facilities, knock- ing down walls and building a kitchen/concession stand area connecting the lobby to an art gallery next door and creating the black box theater – essentially a performance space that is versatile and can be transformed into different layouts depending on the event.
The first phase of the project started in 2007, and is now currently in phase three of four.
Tomlinson said the Sutter Theater will provide not only downtown but the YubaSutter area with a community space for a variety of events.
“We have some culture, we just don’t have a centralized place for that to occur,” Tomlinson said Friday. “It’s for everybody.”
Tours of the theater will take place between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.