Theatre Association Development Director Hunt Brawley says it’s been an effort of over a decade to raise the funds necessary to restore the theatre, and now the group is ready to move forward

 

“It’s obviously a large array of funding sources.  Almost $2 million in private money, and a million and a half in public money.  Tax credits are the largest funding arm of that.  The federal, state, and new markets tax credit are over $4 million.  It really is a collection of community support and other funding.  This was really the last piece we were looking for to move forward.”

 

Brawley says he believes construction can now begin in June, and the theatre be reopened by spring of next year, bringing in first class show

 

“We hope to have, and the reason we’re involved in this, is to put on the types of shows that we really can’t get into this region.  Not unless you drive to Columbus, Charleston or Cleveland.  We can get the major national touring shows and traveling acts that are hard to put in here.”

 

Brawley says that once reopened, the goal is for the theatre to provide 110 days of entertainment and activities each year – ranging from local to national acts.