By Michael Howell
The long needed re-construction and addition to the backstage area of the Stevensville Playhouse at 319 Main is on scheduled for completion by the end of this month. According to board member Jim McCauley, the exterior work is mostly finished, with a little work left to do on the roof; the inside is sheet rocked and painting has begun.
“Our plans are to move in on the weekend of September 9th and 10th,” said McCauley. Moving in will be a big chore and Playhouse board members are looking for as many volunteers as can be rounded up to help make the move. He said a small crew has been organized that will be working for a few days beforehand cleaning shelves and counters in preparation for the big move. Costumes, props and small platforms need to be brought over from a nearby basement and other things will have to be hauled from the garages of three different board members who have stored the items.
“That weekend we are going to need a lot of people to carry stuff,” said McCauley.
He said that most of the money needed to pay for the renovations has already been raised. The total projected cost is $186,000 and theater supporters have already raised $166,000. He said some of the materials needed at this point and some of the labor will be donated and the contingency funds included in the cost estimates may not be needed.
“We are really close,” said McCauley.
McCauley said that the improvements, although very significant, will probably not be noticed by the average theatergoers.
“But the actors will sure notice and all the backstage hands,” he said. The remodeled addition creates a basement space where platforms, flats and props can be stored instead of out in the alleyway. The main floor will have two bathrooms, a small shop area and storage space. The upstairs will have two dressing rooms and costume storage.
Another little bit of improvement that may go unnoticed by most people is the addition of a hot water heater. McCauley said that there has been no hot water available in the theater since he got involved.
McCauley said that everyone, including the neighboring businesses, have helped move the project forward. He said the trucks hauling in gravel and concrete for the project were a little hard on the parking lot which belongs to neighboring building owners Phil Henderson and Gene Mim Mack.
“We are going to repave portions of that parking lot and put a good top finish on it,” said McCauley. He said the theater did not really have an easement for approach from the rear of the building and they were very appreciative of the neighbors’ good will.
If all goes according to plan, the doors will open October 13 on the first play of the new season: “Annabel Broom – the Unhappy Witch.”
For information on donating or volunteering, contact the theater at 777-2722.