Faced with the threat of losing its lease, Main Street Theater is turning crisis into opportunity by taking the long-awaited step toward establishing a permanent home. This summer, the theater is launching a campaign entitled “No Place Like Home,” seeking to raise $3.5 million to purchase and renovate its existing Times Boulevard location in Houston’s Rice Village community.
“For years, we’ve managed to create an incredible theater experience for our Houston audiences despite the limitations of our facilities,” says Executive Director ReBecca Greene Udden, who founded Main Street Theater in 1975. “When our building went to a month-to-month lease late last year, it forced us to think long and hard about what Main Street Theater is today – and what we want it to be in the future. After a thorough needs assessment and lots of analysis and discussion, the board and I ended up with what we think is the ideal solution to our needs. We are so excited about this opportunity to create a stronger, better future for Main Street Theater by acquiring a permanent home.”Main Street Theater’s goal is to acquire and begin renovating its property in spring 2010 and dedicate the new theater in 2011. At 4,500 square feet, the new facility will retain the intimate 99-seat size that audiences love, but with improved sight lines. In addition to the “on-stage” enhancements, the project will address much-needed upgrades behind the scenes, including an improved sound booth and more functional dressing rooms and prop storage. The Studio Red Architects team is creating an “efficient jewel box” design that will enhance Rice Village. Most importantly, the location will remain easily accessible to patrons of all ages.
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