Thrive gets nod for theater use

Organization seeks to stage several shows, concerts, add classic movies

A Streetsboro-based group is recommended to take over programming at Geauga Theater

on Chardon Square.

Thrive Performing and Visual Arts also was selected to utilize the related building at 106 Water St.

That was the unanimous decision of Chardon City

Council’s Ad Hoc Theater Committee at the Oct. 21 meeting. Council is anticipated to vote next month.

The committee considered several proposals, including one from Willoughby Fine Arts Association — the other finalist.

“This has been a very hard decision, and we appreciate all the time and effort that everyone has put into this process,” committee Chairwoman Heather Means said. Committeeman Andrew K. Blackley echoed her sentiments, calling the association “a fantastic organization.”

“I feel Thrive will be a welcome asset to Chardon Square and am excited to support this recommendation to Council in November.” — Committee member Deborah Chuha

“We liked Thrive because of the energy and enthusiasm that they demonstrated, and the fact that they intend to make Chardon their primary base of operations,” he said. “Their productions are very innovative and cutting-edge, which will bring new audiences to the square.”

In addition, the committee was pleased that the space would still be available to other groups in the community.

“They also have a plan to show classic movies in the theater, which is great,” he said.

Thrive is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization seeking to strengthen communities by creating and producing excellent live and recorded entertainment, fostering partnerships and providing educational opportunities, according to its website.

Activities include creating and staging live theater; writing, recording and performing modern music; and developing and producing unique video content.

“We’re thinking five to six main stage shows like the previous group had, but on top of that doing multiple live music events, and then the movies in addition,” Thrive Executive Director Jim Boardwine said.

“In our proposal, 106 will become a major space and a space for learning. We’ll build our sets in Streetsboro and transport them.”

Chardon leaders’ longterm goal for the former Geauga Lyric Theater is that it become a focal point for high-quality, professional performing arts, providing diverse programming designed to engage broad sectors of the community.

To that end, the city requested proposals for how the space can be used to create a performing arts center of distinction, build Chardon as a cultural brand and enhance the theater’s stature as a performing arts venue.

“We are incredibly honored, grateful and excited to be recommended by the ad hoc committee,” Thrive Managing Director Brett Boardwine said.

The committee was formed following the demise of Geauga Lyric Theater Guild due to financial woes. Committee members reviewed the proposal request in July and discussed the top items sought from prospective tenants. Ranking high were theater experience, the vision for program offerings, financial stability and a track record of success.

The 292-seat former Geauga Cinema, at 101 Water St., was built in 1939 and ran successfully for years, until closing in 1996. Two years later, owner Larry Dolan donated the theater to the city, which then leased it to the Guild.

GLTG raised attendance from 1,000 to 20,000 patrons per year, and conducted renovations and restoration work in 2001 and 2019 with grant funding.

On April 7, the Guild announced that, after 66 years of theater in Geauga, it would dissolve, following the forced cancellation of the remainder of the 2020 season due to the coronavirus. Committee member Deborah Chuha sees Thrive bringing fresh ideas and collaborating well with the city.

“I feel Thrive will be a welcome asset to Chardon Square and am excited to support this recommendation to Council in November,” she said.

SUBMITTED Callie Schaden was Emily Webb in the production of Thorntown Wilder’s “Our Town” at Geauga Theater in 2018.