by Caroline Gabsewics
Staff Writer
It has been a year of change for Theatre Jacksonville, which is getting ready to celebrate its 88th anniversary. But with the reality of budget cuts looming, the Theatre may be facing other changes that were not planned.
Over six months ago, Theatre Jacksonville renovated its lobby. Funding was provided by the City of Jacksonville’s Cultural Services Capital Program and the Harold K. Smith Endowment Fund. Staci Cobb, marketing director for Theatre Jacksonville, said another area of the Theatre was being considered for renovations, but that may not happen if funding isn’t available.
“We wanted to redesign the whole upstairs that is used for group and opening night receptions, but we are going to wait to do that because of the property tax situation,” she said. “We are going to put it off and wait and see what happens.”
The Theatre would like to match funds with the endowment funds before any changes are made to the upstairs reception area. But Cobb said the looming budget cuts have prompted the Theatre to take a second look at its entire budget.
“With the funding cuts it has forced us to look outside of the box — which is good for us,” she said. “Sarah (Boone, executive director of Theatre Jacksonville) is currently going through the budget to see where we may have to cut some corners.”
For right now, the Theatre and many other non-profit organizations are just waiting to see what happens.
“We have to be creative with how we spend our money,” said Cobb. “We are bracing for the worst, but hoping for the best.”
Long-time patrons and companies realize the effects of budget cuts and some have given the Theatre grants and donations.
“Patrons have been stepping up and we received a grant from a private company,” said Cobb.
Aside from taking the time to review the budget, the Theatre is preparing for the 2007-08 season. The lobby has been completely renovated and Cobb said they are just waiting for a table which is currently being built.
The lobby was repainted and new art deco fixtures and art give the lobby a state-of-art feel. The carpet was made in Thailand especially for the Theatre. The aisle doors were replaced as well as the 55-year-old main doors. Cobb said the main doors were created to look exactly like the original doors.
If the upstairs reception area is renovated this year, Cobb said it wouldn’t be until the holiday season when they have their break.
“We have to make sure we can complete it in that time frame. If not we will wait until next June,” she said.
Coming up next month, Theatre Jacksonville will host its Annual Meeting and Celebration of Volunteers Aug. 3. They will celebrate the past year and look forward to its 88th year of entertaining Jacksonville.
Here is the schedule of shows for the 2007-08 season:
• “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” — Sept. 14-Oct. 6
• “Moon Over the Brewery” — Nov. 2-17
• “Dearly Departed” — Jan. 11-26, 2008
• “Happily Red” Annual Cabaret Concert — Feb. 9, 2008
• “The Ruby Sunrise” — Feb. 29-March 15, 2008
• “Absence of a Cello” — April 18-May 3, 2008
• “The Secret Garden” — June 6-21, 2008