Geauga theater renovation plan applauded

A community’s cherished buildings, statues, and public parks or other properties are often referred to as “gems.”

But sometimes, these gems need some polishing.

The Geauga Lyric Theater in Chardon is one such example.

That’s why we were pleased to read a recent News-Herald story outlining a major renovation project planned at the theater at 101 Water St.

We’re excited about the project and believe that the Chardon community should feel the same way, for a few significant reasons.

First, the renovation will enhance the experience of spectators who attend plays and other events at the theater.

The proposal includes an estimated $200,000 in upgrades, ranging from better bathroom facilities to creating safer walkways in winter.

Improvements are needed to bring the 1939 building up to basic standards for a venue of this type, said Erika Hansen, executive director of the Geauga Lyric Theater Guild. She noted that the theater predates changes in environmental health and safety regulations, energy conservation and Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

“There are no bathrooms backstage, and actors and technical crew need to walk around the outside of building — which has ice damming problems in winter — to access the restrooms in the lobby, which are shared with the public,” the grant application says. “The public has to wait in extremely long lines that significantly extend intermission. The current lobby is too small and inefficient relative to flow of patrons during performances.”

Other key aspects of the project include:

• Women’s restroom expansion, taking over the space that is currently a utility room with a sink

• Electrical assessment, repair and maintenance to improve/increase theatrical production capacity

• Structural repairs and support for main stage and proscenium; stage lighting/infrastructure improvements

• Air seal the attic and increase the insulation to solve ice damming problems on the east side of building

• Musician’s loft expansion and safety improvements

• Renovations/improvements to sound booth and system

• Lobby, back of house and ticket booth renovations to improve efficiency of operations and prevent long waits by patrons to purchase/pick up tickets

• Office and dressing room improvements on second floor

• Exterior awning and signage We’re also impressed that this renovation project will help add to the versatility of the building.

The improvements are anticipated to increase GLTG’s ability to present a wider variety of plays and arts events, such as concerts. In addition, the renovated space will allow its use for arts education and theater classes, computer graphics, video production, lighting, set design and sound engineering.

“Our purpose in expanding our space is to also expand our operations such that the theater does not go ‘dark,’ as in our current season,” Hansen said. “Because there is no space to build sets, the theater’s stage currently goes dark between productions for set building to take place on the stage. With the addition of more efficient operations in our physical space at the theater and off-site set staging/ storing of materials and setbuilding space, our expectation would be to be able to expand our programming with independent locally produced movie presentations, music performances and other entertainment offerings that will increase foot traffic and bring an increased economic impact to the Chardon Square area.”

Finally, we’re pleased to see that the Geauga Lyric Theater Guild has come up with a solid source of funding for the project. Chardon City Council agreed in August to be the conduit for an Ohio Facilities Construction Commission economic development grant covering the $200,000 project cost.

“While we are extremely grateful for the state grant of $200,000, it is important to point out that we receive the funds on a reimbursement basis,” Hansen said. “We have to pay subcontractors and materials up front and then we get reimbursed.

Based on this reality, the Geauga Lyric Theater Guild has made what we consider a wise decision.

“We also want to plan for the unplanned and be prepared for contingencies, especially in renovating an older building. We have therefore launched a capital campaign to raise seed money funds for the project.”

The goal for that capital campaign is $25,000, and we certainly would join Hansen in encouraging the community to support this initiative.

We hope that the Geauga Lyric Theater renovation is a success. The theater is a gem that we’d like to see shine even brighter when the project is completed.