Renovation of a theater / auditorium in Sandusky, Ohio. Conceptual plans call for the renovation of a theater / auditorium.

As of October 10 2024 this is abandoned Curtain raising on new era SANDUSKY — No matter the production, any on-stage performance requires a whole host of cast members to achieve success. Those representing the Sandusky State Theatre realize this. And, in following their script, they require a small assist from community members to complete the landmark’s most massive undertaking in its 95-year history. On Thursday, theater personnel offered updates on the iconic venue's rebuild and expansion plans. Kicking off festivities, and below the theater’s historic marquee, Caryl Crane Youth Theatre students sang for about 75 attendees. While remaining outside the venue, on Columbus Avenue, leaders then summarized the progress made and milestone moments celebrated dating back to June 10, 2020. On this day, a devastating windstorm ransacked through the illustrious structure, causing a collapse of its roof and walls. “The 2020 storm could have condemned the Sandusky State Theatre to close forever,” according to an organization statement. “But thanks to the stewardship of our community, what began as a disaster became an opportunity.” Since then, theater personnel heavily involved the public in their rebuild plans. This would include input sought prior to replacing its roof and enclosing the structure. Throughout the feedback process, they kept underscoring how the state theater represents the public's theater. “Community members made their feelings known: They could not picture Sandusky without the Sandusky State Theatre,” the statement read. “With their enthusiasm and support, theater stewards developed a plan to not only rebuild the theater but to expand and improve it.” Throughout the meticulous restoration, to date, theater personnel have secured $32.5 million of the necessary $35 million to fully offset this price. The theater received funds from many different sources such as insurance compensation, tax credits, donations and grants, including $1 million in local funds provided by Sandusky’s government. Thursday’s get-together began a public fundraising component. As the theater approaches its century anniversary mark, in 2028, personnel unveiled a new campaign slogan: “For the next 100 years: Raising the curtain on a new era.” “Now the whole community is invited to participate in the final $2.5 million community phase of the capital campaign to help the theater complete construction and reopen to patrons next summer,” the statement read. People can visit sanduskystate.com to learn more and support the campaign. “The theater is a valued local treasure, one that holds generations of fond memories and hope for the future of our region,” according to the statement. “The new Sandusky State Theatre will serve the community well because it is truly designed by the community.” Fresh features When the theater reopens, people can expect to see many new amenities. With statements provided by state personnel, this would include: • A second venue — “The modern design and flexible seating capacity, ranging from 150 to 225, will be well-suited for jazz concerts, comedy shows and other intimate performances and events.” • An outdoor terrace — “Wrapping around the back of the building on the second floor, this new space will provide patrons with room to socialize before performances and during intermissions.” • Frohman’s, a corner pub — “This dapper new cocktail lounge is named in honor of Sandusky native Charles Frohman, the turn-of-the-century theater impresario (organizer/financial backer) who originally produced 'Peter Pan' in the early 1900s. Frohman's will serve quality spirits and libations during and outside of performance times. Earned revenue will be reinvested in theater operations.” • An art gallery — “Right next door to the main auditorium, patrons can peruse memorabilia and artifacts from the theater’s past as well as rotating exhibits of work by local, regional and national artists.” When reopened, the theater will also include these updates: • A larger stage and new dressing rooms, which will allow the theater to accommodate touring Broadway shows and prominent musical acts. • A lift in the orchestra pit to raise and lower it, as needed, depending on the type of performance. • Acoustic improvements augmenting all types of musical and theatrical performances. • Enhanced patron areas with aesthetic updates, improved traffic flow, multiple concession stands, bars and additional restrooms. • Roomy seats that will match the auditorium’s historic grandeur. • Ample accessible seating throughout the auditorium for patrons with limited mobility. Speaking up Several people involved with the theater's rebuild spoke during a public gathering on Thursday morning. Here’s an excerpt from each person’s speech in the order of when he or she spoke: “The rebuild will expand and renovate our beautiful gem of the state theater in a way that will prepare us for the next 100 years. From Day 1, the board here, the volunteers and the staff have just been committed to this rebuild, and we are thrilled because we do feel — that with the addition of the Caryl Crane Youth Theatre — we will be presenting programming for everyone of all ages.” — Colleen Shay Murray, Sandusky State Theatre board member and chairwoman of its state capital campaign “We are so excited and thrilled and honored to be part of this legacy here.” — Brian Marshall, Sandusky State Theatre education director, Caryl Crane Youth Theatre director “I give a lot of credit to our board and the community for having the strength and the vision to not only rebuild the theater but rebuild it for the next 100 years and for the future generations in Sandusky and the surrounding areas. We have been preserving the history of the building. We are really embracing the history and what came before us in the auditorium. When you walk into that auditorium, it’s going to look more like 1928 than 2018. With all of that historic charm, we are also adding a lot of things that will help us in the next 100 years and make it a better and more useful facility for everybody. We can’t wait to get you back into the theater.” — Chris Parthemore, Sandusky State Theatre executive director “This is truly the community’s theater. Everyone owns a piece of this theater in their hearts. So much gratitude goes out to all of you for your time, your thoughts and your contributions to this campaign.” — Beth Maiden, Erie County Community Foundation executive director “So many opportunities come along in life for a second chance. That storm is giving us a second chance to rebuild this theater. It’s a chance for all of us to continue to make the kind of memories that many of us already have. What we are asking today is to embrace the community with an opportunity to make some kind of donation to this theater. It doesn’t matter if it is $5 or $5,000. When you make that donation and you sit in one of these seats or you attend an event in this theater, you can look around and say, ‘I played a role in making this happen for the rebuild of the Sandusky State Theatre.’” — Sandusky ex officio mayor Dick Brady Q&A Theater personnel answered some of the more pressing and frequent questions posed to them during this rebuild by community members: Q: When will the theater reopen and welcome audiences back? A: The theater will reopen in mid-2024. We will set an opening date once structural construction is complete. Q: What is the project’s total budget? A: The theater’s renovation and expansion will cost about $35 million: • The theater has already secured $32.5 million, including insurance compensation along with state and federal historic tax credits. • The remaining $2.5 million will be raised during this campaign. Q: Following the storm that destroyed the theater, what was salvaged? A: The 1928 page organ and chandelier were salvaged. The organ pipes were destroyed in the storm, but we were able to acquire a pipe set shortly after the storm. The organ will play gain. While the four murals on either side of the stage were beyond repair, new murals will be painted that pay homage to their predecessors and blend with the new interior design of the auditorium. Q: How will the theater’s programming change? A: The theater will host all the same kinds of shows audiences enjoyed before the storm and more. The expansion and renovation will allow us to host more Broadway national tours, large-scale concerts in the main auditorium as well as intimate recitals, jazz concerts, comedy and other shows in our new second venue. Q: How will the auditorium’s seating change with the renovations? A: Patrons will enjoy larger, more comfortable seats and improved sightlines throughout the auditorium. There will also be increased accessibility seating for patrons with limited mobility as well as a cross aisle to improve traffic flow. The main auditorium will have a capacity of 1,400 to 1,500, depending on the type of performance. Q: Will patrons with limited mobility be able to enjoy the new theater? A: The reopened theater will be accessible to all patrons. We are: • Adding a public elevator • Increasing the number of accessible seats • Regrading parts of the theater to be handicap accessible We will also bring back our hearing loop system and continue to make the theater a place where everyone can enjoy the arts. Q: Can people enjoy the reopened theater outside of showtimes? A: Yes. With the new flexible space, the theater will be able to host various community programs. Our gallery space will be open most days, and Frohman’s pub will be serving even during evenings when no shows are scheduled. Q: Is Frohman’s going to compete with other local bars and establishments? A: We continue to work with and support Sandusky’s many downtown establishments to ensure that this rising tide lifts all boats. Frohman’s will activate one of the most integral corners (Columbus Avenue and Water Street) in downtown Sandusky. With its unique theming, the pub will be very different from any other local establishment, filling a unique niche in the market. Q: What type of exhibits will you showcase in the gallery? A: The gallery will include traveling art shows, historic pieces from the theater and other regional cultural institutions and art by local students. Q: Will you be redoing the iconic marquee? A: The marquee is not currently in the scope of the renovation and expansion project, though we hope to make small modifications actions and refresh the display boards. Q: What will the theater’s operating budget be upon reopening? A: The operating budget for the new theater will be approximately $1.7 million annually, up from $650,000 before the storm. Dedicated programming funds, a larger endowment and additional profit centers, such as Frohman’s pub, will help account for this increase and sustain theater operations. Prior to the storm, the theater contributed an estimated $1 million to the local economy annually. Upon reopening, the theater’s annual economic impact will double, bringing additional revenue to shops, restaurants, pubs, distilleries, hotels and more. Q: Are you building a hotel next door? A: No. That project is separate from the theater renovations and expansion, but we are in constant communication with our new neighbors. We are excited about the hotel project and look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship once it opens. Q: Will the theater be available to rent for special events? A: The theater will still be available to rent for private parties, weddings and other special events. Rental rates for the new building are to be determined. Q: How can people donate to the campaign? A: Everyone’s ability to give is different, and we now that our community is anxious to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime project. We are able to accept pledges, estate gifts, stock, in-kind donations and just about any other kind of contributions. Please contact a member of the team to discuss how you can help reopen the theater and raise the curtain. They can also visit sanduskystate.com to donate or for more questions. Timeline of events Here’s a brief look at major moments happening in the Sandusky State Theatre's 95-year history: • 1928 — The film and vaudeville house, originally known as the Schine's State Theatre, opened. • 1960s to 1970s — As entertainment trends changed, the theater fell into disuse and disrepair. • 1988 — The Sandusky State Theatre Inc. was founded to preserve the building, and the theater was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. • 1990 — The theater underwent its last renovation before the ongoing one. • 2023 — Today the venue is home to the Caryl Crane Youth Theatre and has regularly presented performances by the Firelands Symphony Orchestra and offered free educational and arts events sponsored by the Lange Trust of the Sandusky Library. Since its inception, the theater has hosted many international entertainment icons and prominent local arts groups. Shirley Temple, B.B. King, Willie Nelson and UB40 have all graced the stage, and Michael Bolton performed at the theater’s 75th anniversary celebration in 2003. ----------------------------------------------------------- A detailed scope has not been identified. As of July 26, 2023, this is not a state project. *Project information has been obtained through a public capital improvement plan (CIP). A CIP is a financial schedule for short- and long-range projects which is updated regularly. Information listed in the CIP often evolves based on funding availability and the project details, including timeline and value, are subject to change. The content management team will continue to pursue additional details as they become available.