Soo Theatre Project Inc.
Take 3 —
Action!
Winter 2006
534 Ashmun St.,
Sault Ste. Marie,
Michigan 49783-1908
906-632-1930
web: www.sootheatreproject.org
email: sootheatre@lighthouse.net
email: STARS@lighthouse.net
PDF version of this
brochure (212K) PDF version of donation sheet (9K)
STARS is Born
The first renovation phase of the Soo
Theatre Project is complete. Soo Theatre
Arts Resource Studios (STARS) opened
in September.
There are now over 175
students of all ages taking classes and
private lessons in dance, theatre, yoga,
violin, viola, cello, double bass, harp,
flute, voice, and piano in downtown
Sault Ste. Marie! Teachers in the fine and
performing arts now have a place to teach
besides their homes. And students who
have had to go to Canada to get training
can now take lessons right here.
STARS
has already shown a need for more classes
in the arts in this area. And STARS
is bringing in money to cover some
operating expenses for the Soo Theatre
Complex.
STARS is providing a place for talented
people to come together, exchange ideas,
and plan more opportunities for students to learn and have fun with the arts. More
and more people are getting involved. A
youth string orchestra is beginning, and
there is talk of a youth chorus, children’s
theater, programs for elders, creative arts
classes and workshops. STARS is an
exciting place to be!
The studios were built with volunteer
labor. The monies came from the Cool
Cities Initiative grant of $100,000 and
local contributors to the “Bring Back
the Lights” campaign. Thanks to many
volunteers who put in thousands of hours
and thousands of dollars, we now have
two music studios, a dance studio, two
restrooms, and a space that will become
“Peter’s Place” (named for restaurateur Peter Gianakura, who for decades
operated The American Café in that
space)—a limited menu eatery where the
old café once was. Part of that space is
presently an office for STARS, until there
is more space.
The restrooms and café are accessible to
the theatre lobby, so will eventually serve
a dual function. All of these spaces have
up-to-date heating, wiring, and plumbing,
and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Come
in to visit the studios. We are open from
10 a.m. until evening most weekdays. Call
632-1930 before you come, if you would
like to make sure someone is there to
show you around.
The Curtain Has Gone Up
Because the Wall Is Down
Actually, there is no curtain, yet! But
that didn’t stop over 1,200 people from
enjoying two different performances in the
theatre in August! There was excitement
in the air as a variety of local musicians
performed in “Bringing Back the Lights,”
and actors from Sault Community Theater
put on “Time Capsule: Sault Ste. Marie,”
a play written by Steve Welch for the Soo Locks Sesquicentennial celebration.
All of
this was just a taste of what will happen
once the theatre is open all year round.
The work to get the walls down and fix up
the theatre for the performances was done
with volunteer labor, thousands of dollars
of valuable in-kind services, and local
people contributing to the “Curtain Can’t
Go Up Until the Wall Comes Down” and
the “Bring Back the Lights” campaigns.
What’s Next
Opening “Peter’s Place”—or at least part
of it!
Performances in the theatre next
summer!
Both of these will earn some
money to keep the building operating
until enough money comes through to
put heat in the auditorium and upstairs.
The marquee needs fixing!
People are
working on grants, and local campaigns
to accomplish all this.
Once there is heat
in the whole building, we will be able to
work year round and perhaps have events
going on in the theatre. The organs can be
installed. The ideas for what can happen
are endless!
Future plans call for a larger
dance/multi-purpose room, music and art
studios, and offices to replace the upstairs
apartments. Demolition in the upstairs will
be starting soon, in an effort to get it ready
for future construction.
Thank You
Thank you to the hundreds of people who
have given money and in-kind services,
and who have lent their time and expertise
to the Project. Without you we would
not be where we are today. There is
LOTS more to do. Soo Theatre Project is
counting on your continued support.
Thanks also to our hard-working Board of Directors—Soo
Theatre Project, Inc.
- Dianna George, president
- Colleen Arbic, vice president
- Mary Krzycki-McKay, secretary
- Alistair McKay, assistant secretary
- Debbie Cole, treasurer
- Taylor Brugman
- John Ignatowski
- Marian MacLeod
- Larry Peterman
- Jim Schmidt
- Annette Shilts
- Kris Thorne
- Richard Trautwein
- John Wilkinson
How You Can Help
Join our “Bring Back the Lights” campaign - an ongoing fund-raising effort.
Pledge over a number of years or make a one-time donation. Details
on donation sheet...
Contribute to our “The Curtain Can Go Up Because The Wall Is Down” drive. A modest donation of $25 puts your name on the wall in the
window and later in the lobby. Details
on donation sheet...
Volunteer your time - Call the theatre at 632-1930 or contact us by email at info@sootheatreproject.org.
Introducing:
STARS Director, Nancy Powers
Wearing two hats at the Soo Theatre,
Nancy teaches violin, viola, and cello, and
serves as Director of STARS.
A newcomer to the area, Mrs. Powers
has taught strings in public and private
schools in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan.
Nancy has also worked in arts administration
for community arts schools in
suburban Chicago and western Michigan.
She plays violin with both the Marquette and
Sault Symphony Orchestras.
Nancy holds a bachelor of music education
degree from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and a master of music
education degree from the University of
Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Welcome, Nancy!
Theatre Store Shopping Ideas
Stop by the STARS office at 534 Ashmun
St., and pick up a beautiful, spacious
tote-bag with the STARS logo.
And how about a beautiful coffee mug,
and high-quality T-shirts with our “Bring
Back the Lights” Soo Theatre logo? Get
a gift certificate; give the gift of lessons
to a special person in your life.
And here's the best idea of all: give a
donation to the theatre in the name of
a loved one whom you wish to honor! Details...
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