Is this an opportunity for the Community College to partner its performing arts facility with these groups and possibly the City? Or does it mean much more competition in the future if there are six performance theaters in the same area?
Based on a recent story in the Prescott Courier, there are groups in Prescott who are looking to find funds to develop two new performing arts centers in that City.
Hendrix auditorium. One facility and the largest under consideration is the historic Hendrix Auditorium at Mile High Middle School. It was originally created as a theater space for then high-school students families and community members. Today, the 900-seat venue remains mostly idle.
A group connected with The Raven Café are seeking to make the school theater a “destination” spot by booking national touring groups that will have broad audience appeal. Their intention would then be to devote a portion of the proceeds to enriching the Prescott Unified School District’s performing and fine art programs.
Ruth Street Theater. The Hendrix proposal comes at the same time another group of community leaders are seeking to utilize and refurbish the more modern Ruth Street Theater at Prescott High School as an affordable venue for “choral groups, jazz bands, dance troupes or theatrical productions.”
Both groups are described as “super genuine” and committed to benefiting the students of today and tomorrow. They claim that “they are thinking of kids before thinking of anything else.”
Elks theater. There are already three performing arts theaters operating in Prescott. In addition to the Community College’s facility, Prescott has the Prescott Elks Theater and Performing Arts Center that seats over 500 persons. It was completed in 1905 and listed on the National Register of Historical Places.
Prescott Center for the Arts. There is also the much smaller Prescott Center for the Arts, which is located in an old church. It features community productions of popular plays and musicals.
Prescott Valley Performing Arts, Inc. In Prescott Valley, fundraising is under way to open and operate the Prescott Valley Performing Arts, Inc. According to its website, it will provide opportunities for area residents, of all ages, to participate in the creative process of live theater and to enjoy the artistic, social and educational benefits of this art form.
With all the interest in creating new theater venues, is it possible the Community College could partner with some of the interested groups? Or, if they all get going, what does the future hold for the College’s Performing Arts Center?