By Michael Howell
The Stevensville Playhouse has already gotten a face-lift, now it’s about to get a long needed backstage-lift. A major three-level addition to the back of the building is in the works that would provide a much needed storage area, a changing room, and an off-stage area for performers, as well as a bathroom.
Susan McCauley, board president, said that doing large productions has been very challenging. Performers have been using the basement of the adjoining building to store props, costumes and for changing.
“But it meant a long trip to the stage after changing,” said McCauley. Actors must exit the back of the theater down a set of five steps, walk outside to the adjacent building and up a flight of small stairs and then down a full set of steps into the basement of the next door building. This happens in all types of weather, even snow, she said.
“We set up a tent out back and have been using that,” said McCauley. “But it’s cold and it’s not weatherproof and all our stage platforms and stairs are exposed to the weather.”
McCauley said that these improvements might have been made a long time ago but that the board had the impression that it was not possible due to buried utilities and such things. It turns out, after consulting with the town’s Building Inspector, that was not true.
The board of directors has approved plans to expand the existing building by adding 1,944 square feet of additional space on three levels at the back of the theater. Part of the renovation does involve re-doing an old clay sewer line out back. It also involves an 8-foot-deep excavation to accommodate a storage area.
The new addition to the back of the theater will provide a green room (ready room for actors preparing to go on stage), rest rooms, dressing rooms, and storage space for costumes, props, and set pieces.
The basement area is dedicated to storage of platforms and flats. The green room, rest rooms and some storage space are on the main floor. The second floor provides space for dressing rooms and costumes.
McCauley said the project eliminates the need to go outside during inclement weather and provides a safe, comfortable space with easy access and egress.
Total project costs are estimated at $165,607. The Playhouse has initiated a funding drive to help pay for the expansion and has already applied for four significant grants and expects to apply for more.
However, according to McCauley, the project will not be feasible without help from business sponsors and community members.
“We hope to raise $5,000 from local businesses and $3,500 from private donors, McCauley said. “We may receive in-kind services for a portion of the project costs. The Playhouse Board has pledged $15,000 from our savings and operating budget. We also plan to generate $2,000 from local fund raising events such as raffles, bake sales, pint nights, and silent auctions.”
“We can do this,” said McCauley.