The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Chardon Council OKs pacts with Thrive
The new Geauga Theater operators continue to cross things off their to-do list.
Thrive Performing & Visual Arts recently worked out theater management and lease agreements with Chardon leaders for the building on the city square and the education annex at 106 Water St. nearby.
Now the Streetsboro-based organization can get down to business. Projects include a capital campaign to fund major renovations at the buildings, transforming an annual fundraiser show
into a virtual version and preparing for anticipated in-house events by midsummer.
“We have agreed that we will begin holding in-person events once Ohio allows for at least 50 percent capacity in the venue,” said Thrive Managing Director Brett Boardwine. “At the moment, only 15 percent is allowed. Anything less than 50 percent is just not sustainable.”
As of now, the plan is to hold a grand opening and first production in July. This will allow time for the renovations and improvements, as well as for the pandemic restrictions to potentially ease.
In the meantime, the troupe is in the midst of planning the annual fundraiser, Art Knows No Boundaries. A digital edition will likely take place in early March.
“This event has been around since our inception (in 2015),” Boardwine said. “This is typically an intimate, casual variety show featuring live music, spoken-word poetry, skits and more. We will do our best to capture this vibe in a digital format.”
It will be run similar to an introductory event held online Dec. 20 that included live and pre-recorded performances from multiple locations, and a real-time question-andanswer session/meet-andgreet.
“Hundreds participated and we received multiple donations,” Boardwine said.
The total goal is $25,000, and $4,535 has been raised since Dec. 1. The funds will be used for a series of improvements including new paint, carpet, furniture, deep cleaning, lighting/audio equipment, concession equipment and a box office ticket window.
“This is part of us rebranding and reinventing the theater,” he said.
The city intends to set aside funds to assist with replacing the carpet in both facilities and other miscellaneous repairs. In addition, the city’s budget will include safety upgrades, such as replacing stairs on the side of the building and putting in keypad entry locks on some doors at the annex.
Legislation passed by City Council Jan. 14 authorized the city manager to enter the management and lease deals with Thrive.
The agreements give Thrive the right to operate, schedule and manage all artistic events, showings, performances, concerts, productions, movies and other uses at the theater and 106 Water St.
The city will have the ability to recommend one person to Thrive’s Board of Directors, and the city manager and Parks & Recreation director will serve as ex-officio non-voting members of the board.
“The city will also have the right to inspect Thrive’s financial records to determine whether its business operations are being responsibly managed,” Law Director Ben Chojnacki said in a memo to Council.
City officials in November chose Thrive to take over operations after an Ad Hoc Theater Committee search, following Geauga Lyric Theater Guild’s dissolution in April.
High-ranking considerations were theater experience, the vision for program offerings, financial stability and a track record of success.
Thrive will generate much of the entertainment staged at the theater, but will also host outside acts such as bands, orchestras, dance companies, comedians and movies. Education and special events are planned at 106 Water St.
“The support from the city and the local community has been amazing,” Boardwine said. “The dedication and investment they have shown has made us confident that we will have a long, prosperous relationship. We continue to be incredibly thankful and are excited for what’s to come.”