A ribbon cutting and grand reopening was held for the renovated Salem Community Theatre over the weekend.
Salem Community Theatre Chair Drew Johnson is pleased with how the new seats, flooring, and painting have improved the theatre.
“We’ve been on schedule, and we’ve had a lot of great volunteer work that made this possible. It’s great to be officially reopened. We’ve got a movie coming up on the night of Halloween at 8:30, ‘Killer Clowns from Outer Space.’ Our goal was always to be ready and open for the Halloween costume contest, which, obviously with us opening today, we’re well ahead of.”
Johnson says the renovation of the women’s bathroom was moved from a future phase when a plumbing problem required replacement of the floor and the stools. Replacement of the front doors to make them ADA compliant is also being moved up and is expected to be completed in the next few months.
The renovated auditorium features larger seats and space between rows of seats double what they were before. The aisles are also wider.
The Salem Community High School Drama Club will perform the first play in November ahead of a full December schedule that will include a play, Polar Express, and the Salem Community Band and Choir Christmas performance.
The theatre is continuing fundraising to pay for the $150,000 first phase. $67,000 still needs to be raised in addition to funding for the second two phases.
Those interested in helping can learn more at salemiltheatre.org.
The newly renovated Salem Community Theatre and Cultural Society. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
