CAPA Set To Manage Toledo's Valentine Theatre

The Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) has entered into a five-year contract with the Toledo Cultural Arts Center (TCAC) to manage the historic, 901-seat Valentine Theatre (400 N. Superior St., Toledo) with an operating budget of $1.5 million.

In preparation for the retirement of their executive director, TCAC approached CAPA due to its national reputation for excellence as a presenter, producer, theatre manager, and pioneer in shared service collaborations. TCAC began consulting with CAPA and entered into a 5-year contract effective July 1, to establish long-term financial stability, streamline operations, and expand the theatre's involvement with the Toledo arts community.

"We look at this new management relationship with CAPA as an expansion of the considerable legacy our executive director leaves behind," said Tom Palmer, TCAC Board President. "The TCAC board reached out to CAPA because we were impressed by their commitment to local arts organizations, a collaborative entertainment environment, and downtown development partnerships."

"Win-win partnerships like this are crucial for arts organizations in a challenging economy," stated CAPA Board President Mike Petrecca. "The new management agreement diversifies CAPA's business model, provides TCAC with an efficient operations strategy, and supports an Ohio arts institution within a strong arts community."

Opened in 1895, the historic Valentine Theatre is a 901-seat venue operated by the Toledo Cultural Arts Center. After a 21-year effort by the board of trustees and community, the theatre underwent a $28 million renovation which was unveiled in October, 1999. Since then, more than 480,000 people have attended more than 380 international, national, and local presentations. The Valentine has also been utilized by more than 40 community groups including the Toledo Symphony, Toledo Opera, Toledo Ballet, Toledo Jazz Society, Masterworks Chorale, and University of Toledo. For more information, visit www.valentinetheatre.com.

The Toledo Cultural Arts Center is a non-profit organization which produces and presents diverse experiences in the cultural and performing arts to enhance the quality of life in Toledo, Lucas County, northwestern Ohio, and southeast Michigan.

Owner/operator of downtown Columbus' magnificent, historic theatres (Ohio Theatre, Palace Theatre, Southern Theatre) and manager of the Riffe Center Theatre Complex, Lincoln Theatre, and Shubert Theater (New Haven, CT), CAPA is a not-for-profit, award-winning presenter of national and international performing arts and entertainment. For more information, visit www.capa.com.