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Findings of recent study help bring more renovations to historic theater
The Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center has had new life breathed into it following the “We Are Marshall” movie premiere in December 2006. Thanks to a new study, more renovations are being planned for the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.
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HUNTINGTON -- With the findings of a study now in hand, a local foundation is prioritizing what improvements will come next at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center in downtown Huntington.
David Tyson, co-president of the Keith-Albee Foundation, said a number of renovations need to be addressed, as pointed out in the $75,000 study by theater design specialists Sachs Morgan Studio, based in New York. The nine-month study, funded by the Marshall University Foundation, covered every aspect of the theater, Tyson said.
The historic vaudeville theater at 924 4th Ave. has had new life breathed into it following the "We Are Marshall" movie premiere in December 2006 that raised $200,000 for structural and aesthetic improvements. Some work already has been done, and the theater has been the site of numerous productions in recent months, with more scheduled.
The study's suggestions focused on improvements to help the theater bring in newer, larger shows and provide a rewarding experience for the audience, said Roger Morgan, Sachs Morgan's director of design. Since the theater originally was intended for vaudeville shows, the stage is small compared to stages at other theaters and larger arenas, he said.
"When sound movies were introduced, it changed everything. Stages used to support small vaudeville acts or a silent movie with an orchestra, but it's not big enough for today's musicals that need more space," Morgan said.
Making the suggested stage-area improvements, Tyson said, is part of the foundation's long-term plan.
Tyson and Morgan both declined to release a copy of the study.
When studying the theater, Morgan said, every room was measured and evaluated, and that determined that a number of rooms were not being used to their full potential. The "animal room," for example, originally was for storing and washing animals used in vaudeville acts but has not been used by the theater for years, he said.
Already, the foundation has taken some of Sachs Morgan Studio's advice. Removing the concession stands from the lobby has created a larger space for event-goers, a suggestion listed in the study. Morgan said more space can be utilized by absorbing some of the space used by surrounding storefronts and the parking lot next door. Tyson said the foundation is looking at all options for expanding the theater's space.
According to Sen. Bob Plymale, D-Wayne, co-president of the foundation, $140,000 was used to improve the backstage rigging system. The improvements, he said, have allowed the theater to host larger shows. When it receives the necessary funds, the foundation is interested in replacing the theater's roof and making improvements to the outside sign.
Other work that's been done includes recarpeting the lobby entrance and ceiling and bathroom repairs.
The main concern now, the foundation leadership said, is to keep the community involved with the renovations and keep booking a variety of programs during the renovation efforts. Tyson said the foundation has been able to meet operational costs and keep renovations moving forward. Money from the shows will cover operational costs as well as help with renovation costs, Tyson said.
In preparing for long-term operations, Tyson said a number of shows have been scheduled in the next few months. The Keith-Albee recently hosted comedian Brian Regan and the Billy Joel-inspired play "Movin' Out." Shows, including several plays, have been planned through April.
In February alone, the Keith-Albee hosted the play "The Producers" and comedian Martin Short. The Spring International Film Festival began Friday and runs through Feb. 28.
Tyson plans that through a number of fundraising events, including the Feb. 17 movie memorabilia auction, the foundation will be able to fund the multimillion dollar renovation project.
"Our goal is to keep the theater actively used by the community," Tyson said. "We want to keep the theater operational while we make updates. We are preparing for the long term but meeting the needs of the short term."
"The things we've done have been well received, and we don't plan on making any decisions without the support of the community," Plymale said.
