PROJECT MIRROR

Preliminary Case for Support
November 2008


Introduction / summary
Project Mirror is a group of concerned Shelby County citizens who, along with local arts groups, see an opportunity to enhance the quality of life in our community. They are investigating the acquisition and renovation of the former Sidney Theatre to create a home for area arts organizations to rehearse and present local productions.

Impact of the arts in Shelby County
It has long been known that art, in its many forms, enhances and enriches lives. To a newcomer, the scope of the arts in Sidney and Shelby County may be a revelation. Consider that local residents have an opportunity to see Handel’s Messiah performed by the Gateway Choral Society; Sleeping Beauty performed by the Sidney Dance Company; the Glen Miller Orchestra presented by the Gateway Arts Council; and Twas the Night Before Christmas presented by Sock & Buskin Community Theatre; and all just during the 2008/09 season!

The Sidney Theatre
The bright letters on the marquee of the downtown Sidney Theatre have been a fixture in our community for decades. The complete history of the downtown landmark is harder to locate. The theatre is believed to have a history of more than 80-years, and was most likely built as a Warner Brothers Theatre in the 1920s. The Sidney Theatre Guild (forerunner of today’s Sock & Buskin Community Theatre) performed in the space from the 1930s to the 1950s. The theatre was then called Warner’s Ohio.

The Chakeres Theatre Company operated a movie house in the space for many years, and closed the Theatre in 2004. An individual purchased the theatre in 2006, and completed a number of upgrades including the completion of certain interior demolition down to its original shell and securing an occupancy permit. The Sidney is currently hosting live stage performances, plays, and live music concerts.

While many of us recall attending a movie at The Sidney Theatre, the building remains an impressive entertainment facility with 300 seats in the main hall, and with a future capacity of up to 550 including the balcony area. The building is nearly 12,000 square feet with a raked stage area of approximately 2,400 square feet.

Possible Tenants
The initial planning has revolved around finding a suitable home for area arts organizations to both rehearse and present their local performances. Today, many arts organizations are performing in area schools and churches—spaces not designed for live productions. Rehearsal space, time, and the logistics involved are an issue for many local arts groups.

Initial discussions regarding future possible use of the theatre have been held with the following organizations:

1. Sock & Buskin Players—Leaders envision four annual productions of four to six performances. Each production would require four to six weeks of dedicated rehearsal. Additional use would include workshops & lessons for youth & adults.

2. Eleventh Hour Theatre: Leaders envision one annual production over the course of three weekends with multiple performances. Rehearsal would require four to six weeks. They also would use the space for acting classes and potentially additional performances in the future.

3. Sidney Dance Company: Leaders envision two annual productions over the course of two weekends with multiple performances. Rehearsal would require two to three weeks each.

4. Gateway Arts Council: The Council is not a producer of local art, but has become a leader in bringing great entertainment to Sidney and Shelby County. Leaders envision a new home for the GAC Presents Series—two or more performers/presentations annually, summer arts camp over two weeks, special classes/workshops over six weeks, the GAC Youth Series—three to four performers/presentations annually, and the potential for new administrative office space.

Mechanics of Project Mirror
The initial objective is to establish a nonprofit organization with its own board. An important task is to work through issues of management, funding, usage, and costs. A related task is to determine the potential to raise funds to purchase, renovate, and partially endow the facility and its operation. A professional firm has been engaged to conduct a fund-raising analysis prior to the end of the year.

Another key task will be to create a master calendar for resident arts tenants to confirm that each organization has sufficient access to the theatre. In addition, Project Mirror leaders will determine other possible uses, such as a movie series, workshops, other outside performing arts groups, corporate/community meetings, etc.

The initial projections call for minimal staffing and overhead. A building manager would be hired to coordinate the schedule and ensure that the facility operates in a suitable manner. A pro-forma budget is being created to project maintenance, janitorial, utilities, and other operating costs.

Renovation & expansion plans
Phase One of the plan is to establish a space for live performances. The current footprint will not be altered. The building is structurally sound and is constructed primarily of steel, brick & concrete. The roof is sound, but the building is in need of new HVAC, gutters, and downspouts. The initial renovation effort will include upgrading the south/front facade, the auditorium, backstage areas and replacing the stage rigging, lighting, and sound equipment.

Phase One - Capital improvements, including property acquisition $2,500,000

Phase One - Operating and Maintenance Endowment $1,000,000

Phase Two of the plan would include renovation of the three story south building including the Mezzanine for offices, meeting rooms, classrooms, and potential rental spaces. The projected cost of these enhancements is estimated to be $800,000.

Impact on arts organizations & community
In 2000, the Gateway Arts Council produced a Cultural Plan for Sidney and Shelby County entitled, “Creating Tomorrow.” The Plan, endorsed by Sidney City Council, the Shelby County Commissioners, area arts organizations and service clubs, identified five goals and strategies for the next ten years.

Goal Two of the plan was to establish a cultural arts center in Sidney to serve Shelby County by providing a setting for children and adults to enjoy classes, performances, and exhibitions. Goal Four was to establish a vibrant and economically sound downtown Sidney as a center for the cultural arts, encourage historic preservation and promote an appreciation for the Court Square Historic District.

Project Mirror leaders believe that the renovation of the former Sidney Theatre will accomplish many important objectives, including:

* Create a real Arts Center for the first time in Sidney.
* Provide rehearsal and performance space in one place.
* Magnify vibrant local arts offerings by consolidating in one central facility.
* Centralize ticket sales and co-market upcoming performances.
* Create efficiencies through educational programs, youth programming, and collaboration with other arts groups.

Project Mirror leaders also believe this effort can have a significant positive impact on downtown Sidney and our entire community. Much research has supported the ripple effect on area businesses of a downtown performing arts venue. In addition, the presence of a downtown arts center will enhance the quality of life for area employers.

Conclusion
Several years ago, another group of interested citizens attempted to acquire The Sidney Theatre. Today, another opportunity exists to purchase the facility and, with the support of the proposed fund-raising effort, renovate and secure a new home for the performing arts in our community. This effort will highlight the enormous talent and dedication of the various performing arts organizations in our community.

While the economic climate is uncertain, Project Mirror leaders believe we have an opportunity to invest in the arts, to enhance our community, and to secure a center in downtown Sidney for residents of all ages to enjoy for years to come.